03/01/1978 21110

BASIC EDUCATION ASSOCIATE 2

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional educational program work of a lead person or comparable educational policy development nature with requisite administrative responsibility in the planning, development, improvement and evaluation of basic education programs on a Commonwealth basis.

An employee in this class is responsible for performing advanced professional and lead worker responsibilities in providing educational advisory and program review services in establishing, improving or expanding basic education programs throughout the Commonwealth or for performing advanced professional educational policymaking staff work of a comparable nature. As a lead worker, work may involve the planning, direction and review of educational projects to evaluate new or innovative educational approaches or to utilize the latest in research findings and theories in the areas of basic education. Employees may also function in a lead person capacity with other professional, para-professional and clerical staff in providing assistance and direction to the basic education community in complying with Federal and state laws and regulations and in directing and coordinating the approval processes for Federal funding to improve basic education programs throughout the state. As a lead person, employees are responsible for both the direction and conduct of education programs for the long range planning, program development and evaluation of educational programs to assure adherence to effective educational practices and requirement. Work may also involve responsibility for performing advanced professional educational policymaking staff work at the Commissioner of Basic Education level or correspondingly complex work in directing major educational programs of a statewide and developmental nature with a need to independently develop guidelines and procedures and where the impact and direction is educational program development rather than administrative in nature. Work is performed with considerable independence and is reviewed by an administrative supervisor through conferences, reports and an evaluation of program results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans, directs and coordinates the work of a staff of professional educational, para-professional and clerical employees in the conduct and evaluation of educational projects, studies and programs within basic education on a Commonwealth-wide basis.

Directs the conduct of evaluation programs for Federally funded projects, for area vocational-technical schools, elementary, middle and/or secondary schools throughout the state.

Functions in a lead work capacity in administering the review and approval of proposals for Federal funding in major Federal compensatory programs for the development of innovative projects or projects for the disadvantaged in elementary, middle and secondary schools.

Directs and coordinates the review, evaluation and analysis of new, expanded or planned educational programs throughout all levels and types of basic educational institutions in the Commonwealth.

Plans, coordinates and participates in providing advisory services to the schools and intermediate units of the Commonwealth in planning, development and evaluation of curriculum improvement and instructional programs.

Plans, coordinates and participates in providing advisory services to educational institutions on the implementation of curriculum and the utilization of research findings related to educational needs.

Plans, coordinates and participates in the planning, development and evaluation of studies on all aspects of basic education.

Plans, coordinates and directs the development of studies to determine basic education needs on a statewide basis and in assisting basic education in the development of long range planning and evaluation projects.

Develops and interprets policies and guidelines in the area of basic education to the basic education community and makes recommendations for policy and tandard changes concerning basic education programs.

Evaluates, advises on and recommends to the Commissioner of Basic Education policies, goals, objectives, activities and standards for the operation of basic education programs.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the techniques and procedures used to plan, develop, improve and evaluate basic educational programs.

Knowledge of the theoretical and practical objectives, goals and practices of modern educational needs.

Knowledge of the school curriculum and of curriculum development.

Knowledge of educational administration and of departmental policies and guidelines relating to educational administration.

Knowledge of the existence of different teaching techniques and methods and of their advantages and disadvantages in relation to achieving educational aims and in application in different social and cultural setting.

Knowledge of educational research techniques and methodology.

Knowledge of statistical concepts and methods in their application to educational research.

Ability to plan, direct and coordinate the work of a professional educator, clerical and para-professional staff.

Ability to analyze complex educational and educationally related program questions and to make recommendations for solution.

Ability to interpret established program policies and explain intent of programs.

Ability to develop and present recommendations for new or revised program services.

Ability to plan, conduct and direct reviews of educational program effectiveness and merit.

Ability to communicate ideas and concepts orally and in writing.

Ability to establish effective working relationships with educators, administrators, and others involved in the basic education processes.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year of experience as a Basic Education Associate l;

or

Five years of professional experience in the field of education;

or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.