11/18/1998 21391

ADULT BASIC AND LITERACY EDUCATION ADVISOR 2

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional educational work of a lead or program development nature in the development, expansion and improvement of adult basic and literacy education programs and advisory services to promote, improve, and implement these programs through schools, libraries and a variety of other eligible service providers as defined by law, policies and guidelines.

An employee in this class is responsible for performing advanced professional and program leadership responsibilities in the development and delivery of advisory and program development and review services and promoting adult basic and literacy education programs to provide undereducated adults with the fundamentals of reading, writing, English proficiency and other competencies in the Bureau of Adult Basic and Literacy Education. This class is differentiated from the Adult Basic and Literacy Education Advisor 1 by the responsibility for directing major education program initiatives of a statewide and developmental nature which requires the independent development of guidelines and procedures and where the impact and direction is educational program development as well as administrative or functioning in a lead capacity. Work involves leading the research, design, development, implementation and evaluation of educational methods, program materials, and resources to improve the quality of instruction and course content in adult basic and literacy education. Duties include providing leadership in the planning and review of educational projects and initiatives or in using the latest in research findings and theories to evaluate new instructional methodologies and to develop revised educational approaches in the areas of adult basic and literacy education. Employees in this class provide leadership in adult basic and literacy education programs involving research, the direction and implementation of education programs, long range planning, and educational program evaluation to assure adherence to effective educational practices and improve program offerings. Work is performed with considerable independence under the general supervision of an administrative superior and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and an evaluation of overall program results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Leads other Adult Basic and Literacy Education Advisors in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of educational projects, studies and research in adult basic and literacy education programs and services on a Commonwealth-wide basis.

Coordinates the development and delivery of adult basic and literacy education services with other state and national agencies and organizations involved in the program effort.

Reviews and recommends approval of Commonwealth-wide advanced educational research, program and staff development initiatives and/or Commonwealth-wide adult basic and literacy education programs.

Coordinates and serves in a lead role in the utilization of research findings related to educational program needs to improve the delivery of advisory services to teachers, administrators, and directors of adult basic and literacy education programs.

Coordinates the ongoing transfer of technical assistance advice and counsel from the advisory program staff to adult basic and literacy education providers throughout the state.

Develops programmatic guidelines and checklists to provide professional staff with guidance and direction in monitoring and evaluating adult basic and literacy education programs for compliance with state and federal requirements and in evaluating programs for effectiveness.

Develops and coordinates the formation and conduct of studies to determine adult basic and literacy education program needs on a Commonwealth-wide basis and the integration of study findings in the development of long range plans and evaluation projects consistent with current needs and developments in adult basic and literacy education.

Encourages curriculum research by both adult basic and literacy education teachers and the technical advisory staff and assists them in evaluating new teaching methods and instructional techniques.

Organizes conferences on adult basic and literacy education and speaks to educators and civic groups to encourage and influence acceptance of new developments in adult basic and literacy education into school  curriculums.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of theory, principles, and practices of basic and literacy education encompassing beginning reading and writing instruction through twelfth grade level programs and methods.

Knowledge of a variety of adult basic and literacy education programs including new developments, significant curriculum material, and current research that exists regarding programs and program development.

Knowledge of current adult basic and literacy education program philosophies, training strategies and program recruitment and retention procedures.

Knowledge of the techniques and practices used to plan, develop, evaluate, and improve adult basic and literacy education programs and activities.

Knowledge of assessment theory, research concepts and state of the art practices for various standardized assessment instruments and their application with adult students of various competency levels, diverse cultural backgrounds and varying degrees of challenge resulting from social, economic, psychological and educational backgrounds.

Knowledge of current teaching practices and methods used in adult basic and literacy education.

Knowledge of curriculum planning as applied to adult basic and literacy education.

Knowledge of current educational research techniques and methodology and of statistical concepts and methods as applied to educational research within adult basic and literacy education areas.

Knowledge of the support services needed by adult basic and literacy education providers and practitioners, and how those services can be coordinated and integrated with those provided by human service agencies and organizations within the community.

Knowledge of the social and psychological impairments and challenges of the educationally, socially, and economically disadvantaged and of those with diverse cultural backgrounds in the context of ensuring that programs are structured that respect the differences in a learners capabilities and background.

Knowledge of the use of current instructional materials and techniques which are used to meet the varied needs of diverse cultural and socioeconomic groups.

Knowledge of educational administration and of policies, regulations and guidelines relating to educational administration and program implementation.

Knowledge of project management and administration techniques and practices.

Ability to analyze complex educational and educationally related program questions and issues and to recommend solutions.

Ability to lead conferences, workshops and meetings with local school officials, civic leaders, professional personnel within the Department, and with Commonwealth-wide providers and practitioners of adult basic and literacy education programs.

Ability to evaluate and monitor Commonwealth-wide adult basic and literacy education programs including grant and contract management activities.

Ability to establish and maintain a leadership role in the program management of adult basic and literacy education activities, including establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with school officials, community and business leaders and adult basic and literacy education providers and practitioners.

Ability to encourage and influence the use of new teaching methods and improved curriculum materials as applied to adult basic and literacy education.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, individually and to groups.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE ANDTRAINING: One year as an Adult Basic and Literacy Education Advisor 1;

                                                                                                                                       or

Five years of professional experience in adult basic or literacy education, including two years in an administrative capacity; and a bachelor’s degree;

                                                                                                                                      or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes two years of administrative experience in adult basic or literacy education.