Director of Student Acheivement

Yellowstone Schools

Reports to:         Yellowstone Academy and College Prep Principal Team;
                              work will focus primarily on students/staff in 2nd-8th grade

 

Primary Responsibilities

 

The Director of Student Achievement (DSA) is a position that focuses on supporting teachers and instructional leaders to deliver the most rigorous and engaging academic experience for our students. The DSA will implement school wide systems, structures, and initiatives that will hold all stakeholders to a high bar of academic excellence. The DSA will have understanding and knowledge of child growth and development and especially of characteristics of student/children in the age group assigned. The DSA will have the knowledge and experience to assess levels of student achievement effectively, analyze test results, and prescribe actions for improvement.  This will be conducted through observation and feedback, data-driven instruction, curriculum and assessment, professional development, building team culture through strong leadership skills, and contributions to organization-wide initiatives.

 

Requirements

At least 3 years of Instructional Leadership Experience

Bachelors Required

Masters (not required, but highly recommended)

 

 

Planning and Preparation

The DSA will:

• Create or select short- and long-term plans based on Yellowstone curriculum requirements, student profiles and instructional priorities.
• Identify specific intended learning outcomes that are challenging, meaningful, and measurable.
• Manage the Response To Intervention Instructional planning and dyslexia services based on data.
• Plan and prepare a variety of learning activities considering individual student’s culture, learning styles, special needs, and socio-economic background.
• Develop or select instructional activities which foster active involvement in the learning process.
• Identify, select and modify instructional materials to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles and special needs.
• Assist in assessing changing curricular needs and plans for improvement.

 

Data Driven Instruction

The DSA will:

• Facilitate assessment cycles including scheduling, quality assurance of assessment materials, and teacher/student preparation with the support of school leadership
• Conduct deep analysis of data in order to lead effective analysis meetings with teachers and interventionist team
• Create content area action plans and materials to address data
• Execute data meetings based on daily student work samples
• Monitor grade-level progress against assessment cycle benchmarks
• Conduct daily observations and coaching cycles that lead to teacher and instructional leader development and support implementation of action steps
• Provide real-time feedback to teachers and interventionists during instruction

Assessment and Evaluation

The DSA will:

• Develop and use assessment strategies, traditional and alternative, to assist the continuous development of students.
• Interpret data including but not limited to standardized and other test results for diagnosis, instructional planning and program evaluation.
• Compile pre-program, mid-program and post program data for project evaluation.
• Assist teachers in selecting, administering, and evaluating results of screening, diagnostic, and progress assessments.
• Communicate, in understandable terms, individual student progress to the student, professional colleagues, and when necessary, parents, who need access to this information.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of instructional units and teaching strategies.
• Work closely with the Principal Team to coordinate the resources and training that teachers need to be successful. From deploying curricular resources to brainstorming PLC topics and training, the DSA will serve as both a sounding board for and implementer of the support structures that are developed to help teachers be successful in their classrooms.

 

 

Intervention/Direct Support

The DSA will:

• Manage a team of four staff members specifically dedicated to student academic intervention in 2nd-8th grade.
• Coach, Develop and support these interventionists on campus through weekly observations, conferences, professional development sessions, and other intentional interactions;
• Work with and support the classroom teachers in providing a balanced reading and math program.
• Assist in implementing and monitoring the reading and math curriculum.
• Working with the Principals, Deans of Instruction, and ELA Instructional Coach, assist with the selection of appropriate reading and math resources related to identified needs at the school site.
• Assist teachers in the provision of appropriate intensive intervention and/or small group instruction for struggling students.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of subject matter.
• Communicate high learning expectations for all students and staff.
• Provide to teachers and interventionists a variety of instructional strategies appropriate for teaching students from diverse backgrounds with different learning styles and special needs and which enhance the application of critical, creative, and evaluative thinking capabilities.
• Use appropriate material, technology, and other resources to help meet the learning needs of all students.
• Manage the tracking and analysis of student data to drive increased student achievement and performance.

 

 

Staff Development

The DSA will:

• Model effective teaching strategies and techniques.
• Working with the Principal team, work closely with hired consultants to support the intervention team and, where needed, classroom teachers with their instruction, curriculum development, and assessments.
• Participate in classroom observations and feedback sessions and facilitate professional development sessions for in-service days and PLCs.
• Coach the intervention team, and where needed, classroom teachers, with the latest techniques for reading and math remediation and accelerated learning.
• Conduct staff development activities to assist teachers in helping students improve reading and math skills.
• Manage the Instructional Leadership Team meetings as a key lever for alignment across the campus, prioritization of strategy and goals, and ensuring that the instructional staff are operating at the highest level possible.

 

 

Skills and Experience

Every employee at Yellowstone is committed to Yellowstone’s PRIDE values:
 

Positivity: At Yellowstone, we smile first. We are a positive presence on campus and extend a good-natured grace and enthusiasm in all personal interactions.

Responsibility: We follow through on our promises and commitments. We own our actions and will never settle for less than our best effort.

Integrity: We demonstrate integrity in all circumstances and always put the best interests of the broader Yellowstone community first. We “walk the talk” and lead by example. 

Determination: We anticipate and overcome challenges. We are resilient in the face of obstacles and are committed to the success of every member of the Yellowstone community.

Excellence: We hold everyone (families, students, colleagues) to the highest standard of excellence and constantly look for ways to enhance the Yellowstone experience.

In addition, as a member of the admin leadership team at Yellowstone, the Director of Student Achievement must be:

 

Passionate: enthusiastically committed to both the Yellowstone mission and to achieving extraordinary results for our staff, students, and families

 

Collaborative: a true team player who relishes the opportunity to problem-solve with others, lead productive and effective meetings, readily engage in meaningful conversations, and genuinely celebrate and share other people’s successes 

 

An Excellent Project Manager: a hard worker with a strong attention to detail who understands how to set ambitious milestones, use data to guide decision making, can effectively delegate responsibilities, and can navigate a complex task/project from inception through to completion.

 

Physical Demands

Frequent moving about the school building to facilitate student management between classes; constantly operates a computer and other office equipment; frequent standing, talking to facilitate faculty or parent training or student instruction; Frequent exchange of communication with parents, students, and colleagues regarding behavior, academics, and other school business.

 

Application Process

To apply for the position, please send a letter of interest and resume to Jasmen Denton at jdenton@yellowstoneschools.org. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, but we anticipate hiring this position quickly to align with the end of the school year. Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

 

Yellowstone Academy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual with respect to, compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of the individual’s race, color, sex, or national or ethnic origin. Nor do they limit, segregate, or classify its employees or applicants for employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect the status as an employee because of the individual’s race, color, sex, and/or national/ethnic origin.