04/04/2006 20660

SCIENCE EDUCATION ADVISOR 2

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

The 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 science educational programs in Commonwealth schools. Work involves responsibility for the development, review and clarification of the role and direction of science education within the overall school curriculum; for establishing the short range goals and priorities for the science education advisory program; and for formulating the long range objectives for science education in the curricula of elementary and secondary schools. The employee is responsible for planning, leading and participating in the development of science 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 science education. Included in the scope of this job is responsibility for functioning in a leadership capacity with other professional, paraprofessional and clerical personnel in the development and improvement of science education. Work at this level is distinguished from the Science Education Advisor 1 job by the responsibility for serving as the senior departmental advisor in science education and for providing departmental leadership in the initiation, planning and conduct of projects and studies in science 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 science education in the Commonwealth consistent with departmental priorities and curriculum objectives.

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

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

Develops and coordinates new approaches in science 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 science 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 science education curriculum programs.

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

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

Recommends changes in legislation and certification standards for science education and teacher competencies to improve science 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 science education.

Acts as the senior departmental specialist in providing leadership throughout the state in the diverse areas of science 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 the development of science education.

Knowledge of the principles, methods and trends in science education.

Knowledge of the different teaching methods and techniques in science education programs and of their strengths and weaknesses.

Knowledge of curriculum planning and development in science education.

Knowledge of research and evaluation techniques as applied to science education.

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

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

Knowledge of basic administrative principles and practices.

Knowledge of motivational techniques and interpersonal 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 science education.

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

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

Ability to analyze new developments in science 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 science 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 science 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 science 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 Science Education Advisor 1;

                                                                                                                                          or

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