04/04/2006 20560

SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION ADVISOR 2

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional educational work in the development, improvement and expansion of social studies education throughout the Commonwealth.

An employee in this job is responsible for providing leadership and guidance for the Department of Education's statewide program of advisory services in the development, expansion and improvement of social studies educational programs in Commonwealth schools. Work involves responsibility for the development, review and clarification of the role and direction of social studies education within the overall school curriculum; for establishing the short range goals and priorities for the social studies education advisory program; and for formulating the long range objectives for social studies education in the curricula of the elementary and secondary schools. The employee is responsible for planning, leading and participating in the development of social studies curricula, standards and program guidelines for statewide application. The employee coordinates and oversees the work of curriculum and research specialists in identifying, developing and evaluating new approaches and innovative programs in the areas of social studies education. Included in the scope of this job is responsibility for functioning in a leadership capacity with other professional, para-professional and clerical personnel in the statewide development and improvement of social studies education. Work at this level is distinguished from the Social Studies Education Advisor 1 job by the responsibility for serving as the Department’s senior departmental advisor social studies education and for providing leadership in the initiation, planning and conduct of projects and studies in social studies education. Work is performed with considerable independence and is subject to review by an administrative supervisor through conferences, reports and an evaluation of program results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops objectives and definitive goals for social studies education in the Commonwealth consistent with departmental priorities and curriculum objectives.

Develops and modifies the short and long range goals and objectives for social studies education to meet the needs of schools.

Develops and interprets policies and guidelines in social studies education for the basic education community and makes recommendations for changes in policy and standards.

Develops and coordinates new approaches in social studies education and in pilot testing these approaches to evaluate their effectiveness.

Plans and coordinates the development or modification of curricula, courses and resource materials in social studies education to introduce new trends, methods and practices to local schools.

Plans, coordinates and participates in providing advisory services to educational staff in the planning, development, improvement and evaluation of social studies curriculum programs.

Organizes and participates in conferences and workshops for the promotion of new developments and advances in social studies education programs for local school personnel, teacher preparation staff and others.

Serves as a liaison with teacher preparation institutions, certification personnel and others involved in teacher education to provide advice and information on unmet local school needs.

Recommends changes in legislation and certification standards for social studies education and teacher competencies to improve social studies programs.

Disseminates information on current practices and new developments, methods and materials through articles in journals, publications or other media and through participation in professional associations.

Coordinates and oversees projects funded by other state agencies, professional associations or civic organizations to promote and support improvements in social studies education.

Acts as the senior departmental specialist in providing leadership throughout the state in the diverse areas included within social studies education.

Works with federal, state and private agencies, organizations and foundations to obtain grants and funds for innovative and research projects.

Promotes the integration of various curriculum disciplines into interdisciplinary educational programs within local school district course offerings.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the educational philosophies as applied to the development of social studies education.

Knowledge of the principles, methods and trends in social studies education.

Knowledge of different teaching methods and techniques in social studies education programs including their strengths and weaknesses.

Knowledge of curriculum planning and curriculum development in social studies education.

Knowledge of research and evaluation techniques as applied to social studies education.

Knowledge of the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of students at the elementary and secondary level related to social studies education.

Knowledge of current literature, trends, research and new developments in social studies education.

Knowledge of basic administrative principles and practices.

Knowledge of motivational techniques and inter-personal relationships as applied to overseeing the work of professional specialists.

Ability to apply governmental rules, regulations and procedures related to funding innovative and pilot programs in social studies education.

Ability to plan, analyze and develop goals and objectives to implement social studies educational philosophies for elementary and secondary students.

Ability to apply motivational theories and techniques in leading staff to improve and expand social studies education programs.

Ability to analyze new developments in social studies education to identify those which merit additional study for possible implementation in local school districts.

Ability to lead and participate in the development of curricula and curriculum materials to implement new developments and techniques in social studies education into elementary and secondary schools.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to plan, develop and coordinate pilot programs and research activities in social studies education.

Ability to select significant facts in diagnosing educational problems and in devising appropriate solutions.

Ability to see commonalities among varied disciplines to develop and coordinate the development of interdisciplinary curriculum programs in social studies education.

Ability to identify, organize and lead varied professional communities and organizations in support of departmental and professional objectives.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Social Studies Education Advisor 1;

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Five years of professional experience in social studies education, including three years of experience in public schools and two years of experience in the development and implementation of social studies education curricula or programs;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes three years of experience in public schools and two years of experience in the development and implementation of social studies education curricula or programs.