12/07/2012

HIGHER EDUCATION ASSOCIATE 1

A- Higher Education 2091A
B- Teacher Education 2091B

DEFINITION: This is professional educational work providing advisory services and assisting in the planning, implementation, development, improvement and evaluation of higher education or teacher preparation programs throughout the Commonwealth.

An employee in this job is responsible for providing responsible educational advisory and program review services to higher education institutions to improve the quality of higher education or teacher preparation programs and services. Work involves providing assistance to other staff in developing new programs; improving or expanding programs; and implementing new theories and research findings within institutional programs and services. Employees perform periodic reviews of instructional programs for conformance with Commonwealth requirements, academic adequacy, and consistency with state Master Plan provisions. Duties include assisting in the conduct of educational projects and studies in the area of teacher preparation or higher education. Work is performed independently under the general supervision of a professional or administrative supervisor and is reviewed through staff conferences and an analysis of work performed.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Provides advice and assistance to colleges, universities, and other higher education institutions to improve the quality of instructional and administrative programs and operations.

Provides technical assistance to higher education institutions regarding institutional and academic planning.

Examines college or institution records and facilities to ensure compliance with departmental regulations and standards.

Works with other department staff and professionals to develop, improve, and evaluate current and proposed teacher education programs.

Works with local educational agency and higher education personnel to design and deliver in-service education and technical assistance to improve curricula and staff preparedness at the local level.

Prepares materials for institution program reviews

Conducts on-site program reviews individually or with a team.

Reviews program review team reports, recommends acceptance or rejection of findings, and conducts follow-up on findings and recommendations with institutions.

Plans, develops and presents workshops and seminars to provide higher education institutions and others with information on department rules, regulations, goals, objectives and initiatives.

Assists in developing or revising program approval criteria and standards for higher education institutions.

Assists in the development and evaluation of teacher education programs.

Interprets department policies, regulations and standards related to higher education.

Maintains a listing of consultants to serve on program approval and evaluation teams.

Conducts program and reviewer training.

Serves as departmental liaison for higher education institution program approval review teams, prepares institutional background material, and coordinates review team visits.

Serves as the liaison between various groups in addressing short- and long-range higher education needs for the Commonwealth and its citizens.

Participates in the conduct of broad or specific studies pertaining to higher education.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

(TEACHER EDUCATION PARENTHETICAL) Knowledge of basic education instructional processes and curriculum development strategies.

Knowledge of school and instructional effectiveness research.

Knowledge of professional school employee certification requirements.

(BOTH PARENTHETICALS): Knowledge of the principles and practices in higher education.

Knowledge of educational methods and techniques applicable to higher education.

Knowledge of developments, trends and research in higher education.

Knowledge of the processes and techniques used to plan, implement, develop, improve and evaluate educational programs.

Knowledge of the principles and practices used in the design and development of curricula in higher education.

Knowledge of higher education organizational structures.

Knowledge of management methods concepts, and practices in higher education.

Knowledge of equal educational opportunity policies, regulations and practices pertaining to higher education.

Knowledge of research techniques and methods.

Ability to analyze and interpret written material.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Three years of professional education experience, including one year in higher education for the Higher Education parenthetical and one year in basic education for the Teacher Education parenthetical and a master’s degree;

                                                                                                                                         or

An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes two years of professional education experience including one year in higher education for the Higher Education parenthetical and one year in basic education for the Teacher Education parenthetical.