POSITION: Statistical Analyst

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION: Department of Testing

REPORTS TO: Director, Testing

REVISION / REVIEW DATE: March 5, 2014

JOB CODE:75

UNION: ASASP_III

CLASSIFICATION:

GRADE: 32

POSITION SUMMARY:  Under direct supervision in the Department of Testing, the primary responsibilities of the employee in this class are: (a) to work with Test Development team to create highly reliable and valid tests that will effectively measure growth in student achievement throughout the school year; (b) to provide technical and data-analysis supports for the school system academic programs (e.g., FIRST; Science Technology Program, ESOL program, etc.)  (c) to develop a Growth Over Time Model to track improvement in student learning at all schools (d) to provide statistical support for sampling and analysis of various reports generated within PGCPS (e) to review research/analyze research reports generated by educational institutions, agencies and media (f) and to represent PGCPS on committees and at meetings relevant to research design, implementation, and interpretation.         

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Work with Test Development to create reliable and valid Formative tests that will measure growth in student achievement throughout the school year;

Provide analyses that help with the implantation of  Performance Management;

Provide data that will become part of the new data warehouse system;

Provide technical and data-analyses supports for the Pay-For-Performance Program (Financial Incentive Rewards for Supervisors and Teachers, FIRST and other school system academic programs (e.g., Science Technology Program, Talent and Gifted Program, ESOL program, etc.) ;

Develop a Growth Over Time Model to track improvement in student learning at all schools that have not made Adequate Yearly Progress; and

Develop a School Performance Index intended to identify strengths and areas for improvement for use in all schools.

QUALIFICATIONS

Extensive knowledge of classical and modern testing theories (e.g., item responses theories, IRT) and testing equating procedures;

Extensive knowledge of statistical modeling (e.g., Linear and Non-Linear Regression modeling, Logistic Regression modeling, Nonparametric Statistics Analysis,   Multivariate Statistical Analysis, Hierarchical Linear Modeling, Complex Survey Data Analysis, etc.);

Extensive knowledge of research methodology (e.g., Experimental Designs, Matched Sample Designs, Survey Sampling procedures, etc.);

Expertise in data analyses using statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, etc.);

Expertise in test item analyses using IRT-related software (e.g., BIOLG, BIGSTEP, etc.);

Expertise in test equating analyses using test-equating software (e.g., EQUATE; Common Item Program for Equating (CIPE), etc.); and

Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical staff.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:   Master’s Degree (Doctorate preferred) from an accredited college or university in applied statistics or psychometric-related area; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform effectively in this position.   

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: None Required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No direct supervisory responsibilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Normal

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: None.

Prince George’s County Public Schools • www.pgcps.org • 14201 School Lane, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772