04/04/2006 20650

SCIENCE EDUCATION ADVISOR 1

DEFINITION: This is responsible professional educational work in providing statewide advisory services in the development, improvement and expansion of science educational programs at the elementary and secondary levels.

An employee in this job provides advisory and consultative services to local school districts, intermediate units and teacher preparation staffs in improving science education programs in Commonwealth schools. Work involves diagnosing educational problems at the local level, recommending solutions and providing assistance in improving the educational programs. Employees conduct training sessions, workshops and conferences to disseminate information on successful practices, new curriculum materials and innovative techniques and results from experimental projects in science education. Work involves assisting schools with curriculum planning and participating in the development or modification of curricula and curriculum materials. Employees work with curriculum and research specialists to devise and evaluate new approaches and innovative programs in science education. Work also involves working in other curriculum or subject areas to provide advisory and consultative services in improving educational programs in the development or modification of curricula and curriculum materials and in resolving educational problems. In addition, employees work with other governmental and private agencies involved in science education-related activities to strengthen the subject area programs throughout the state. Work is performed with considerable independence and reviewed by a supervisor through periodic conferences and an evaluation of results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops or participates in developing new approaches in science education and in pilot testing these approaches to evaluate their effectiveness.

Works with local school professionals to determine specific problems with their science education programs and to recommend improvements.

Develops and presents in-service workshop training to local school staff to familiarize them with current, new or improved practices, techniques and resources.

Develops or participates in conference programs and workshops to promote new developments, materials and trends in science education.

Assists teachers and administrators to develop curricula and curriculum materials or modify existing courses to better meet their needs and objectives.

Participates in the review of science education programs to introduce new concepts, methods and practices and develop curriculum guides, course outlines and related resource materials.

Works with curriculum and research specialists in the initiation, planning and conduct of studies and projects to evaluate innovative approaches and different techniques in science education.

Assists school staff in developing innovative and pilot programs in science education and in evaluating the effectiveness of the methods, approaches or materials used.

Disseminates information on current and new practices, developments, methods, materials and innovative and pilot programs through articles in professional journals, departmental publications or other media.

Provides advice and information to teacher preparation institutions, certification personnel and others involved in teacher education on unmet local school needs.

Provides advice to local school staff on the criteria and procedures for obtaining federal or special funds for improving their science education programs or to finance innovative projects.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the current methods and trends in science education at both the elementary and secondary levels.

Knowledge of the role and objectives of science education in a child's educational development process.

Knowledge of different teaching methods and techniques in science education program areas including their strengths and weaknesses with reference to children from different ages and social and cultural backgrounds.

Knowledge of curriculum planning and development as applied to science education areas at the elementary and secondary school levels.

Knowledge of current literature, materials, equipment, research and new developments in science education areas.

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

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to promote different teaching methods and curriculum materials, developments and techniques in science education in local school and teacher preparation programs.

Ability to organize, develop and conduct in-service training for teachers, school administrators and others to familiarize them with science education practices, methods, materials, goals and objectives.

Ability to select significant facts in diagnosing educational problems and in developing solutions suited to the appropriate school setting and capabilities to implement.

Ability to develop curriculum materials to implement new developments and practices in science education appropriate for use statewide and in individual school districts.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Four years of professional experience in science education, including two years of experience in public schools and one year 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 two years of experience in public schools and one year of experience in the development and implementation of science education curricula or programs.