(2/20/09) Seeking Work Sampling System Consultant for BPS Department of Early Childhood

Hello,

Please contact me if you are interested in the opportunity below.

Thanks,

Hua

____________ _________ __

Title:  Department of Early Childhood Work Sampling System Consultant

Description: 

The Department of Early Childhood is seeking a part-time uniquely qualified professional development consultant to train, guide, facilitate and coach teachers' use of observation, note-taking, and reflections on student performance by using the Work Sampling System (WSS). Our goal is to provide teachers data on the development of their students so they may make informed instructional practices.  Ideal candidates are pre-K to grade three educators who possess expertise in early childhood, special education, or have experience as an instructional coach.  Preferred candidates should be highly qualified to integrate the WSS in Boston Public Schools (BPS) with regard to assessment, curriculum, and instruction requirements. 

The Work Sampling System, for use with children in preschool through Grade 6, is a published authentic performance based assessment system which helps to identify what children are learning, what they are beginning to master, and what they still need to work on.  Teachers collect information on the child's work and compare it to grade-specific guidelines through three interrelated elements that are customized for each grade level: Portfolios, DevelopmentalGuidelines and Checklists, and Summary Reports. Children's development in seven domains of learning are documented throughout the year; including personal and social development, language and literacy, mathematical thinking, scientific thinking, social studies, the arts, and physical development and health.

Responsibilities:

1. Work with at least two early learning centers to assist with planning and coaching of teachers with respect to WSS for 6 hours a week at each early learning center for up to 13 weeks in SY 08/09.
2. Facilitate at least three 2 hour after school professional development opportunities for a set group of teachers who have been trained as WSS trainers to ensure WSS fidelity and best practices at each early learning center during SY 08/09
3. Facilitate 4 work study groups in these two early learning centers to ensure that teachers are sharing their WSS best practices
4. Support whole-school WSS models and dissemination of WSS best practices for district-wide implementation
5. Build district-wide capacity by supporting WSS Trainers (through a train-the-trainer program), a cadre of BPS teacher leaders charged with the development of professional learning communities that support teachers' ability to collect and use WSS data to inform instruction for the district. 
6. Coaching each of the WSS Trainers to effectively lead at least one WSS Study Group as demonstrated by completion of an 8-10 week cycle, WSS classroom implementation, and submission of a Study Group Portfolio no later than May 15, 2009.
7. Manage and document successful completion of the goals and objectives of the Work Sampling project to funders Nellie Mae Foundation and UPK Grants

Qualifications:

1. Masters degree in early childhood or special education
2. Demonstrated expertise with developmentally appropriate practices,
3. Early childhood classroom and WSS experience
4. Knowledge-base of BPS pre-K to 3^rd grade assessment, curriculum, and instruction practices
5. Ability to make curricular/assessme nt modifications for English language learners and students with disabilities in Pre-K through 3^rd grade
6. Facilitation and classroom embedded professional development skills
7. Demonstrated proficiency in communication and organization skills
8. Experienced urban educator with demonstrated cultural proficiency  

Terms: 

Compensation commensurate based on experience but will be no more than $60 an hour.  This project will last for 13 weeks in SY 08/09 with the possibility of renewal in the SY09/10 on a part-time basis.  SY08/09 funding for this part-time consultant is capped at $21,000.

To apply:

Applications must include and will not be considered without:

1. A cover letter describing your experience and qualifications and how you can complete the SY08/09 project within required timeframes  
2. A resume of no more than three pages
3. Your salary history

All resumes and cover letter should be submitted to the below contact no later than March 18, 2009.

Yong- Hua He

Department of Early Childhood

26 Court Street, 6^th Floor

Boston, MA 02108

(T) 617-635-6768

(E) yhe@boston.k12. ma.us

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