CLASS TITLE: Research Analyst, Instructional Services Branch (ISB)

Conducts comprehensive assessment studies related to such matters as student and school accountability, database management, curriculum content and performance standards, enrollment, retention, staffing patterns, instructional strategies, program vitality and evaluation, school demographic characteristics, and student achievement; designs appropriate local educational agency and school site plans and measurement and assessment tools; and prepares comprehensive reports, presentations and summaries.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The class of Research Analyst, ISB applies an advanced knowledge of educational planning, test design, measurement and evaluation methodology to perform complex education assessment design projects and assignments using specialized and innovative psychometric methods and information systems Positions in this class are exclusively assigned to the Instructional Services Branch. Employees in this class receive limited supervision from the within a broad framework of policies and procedures. Employees in this class may direct and oversee and provide responsible assistance to other program staff.

This class differs from the Research Analyst, Assistant/Associate class series in that incumbents of the latter series perform a wide range of research and analytic tasks of considerable difficulty. This class differs from the Research Analyst, Senior in that incumbents of the latter class apply an advanced knowledge of research methodology to perform the most complex educational research and analytic studies, projects and assignments using specialized and innovative research tools and information systems.

• Conducts comprehensive assessment studies related to such matters as student achievement, school and district accountability, content and performance standards across state adopted curricula, enrollment, retention, matriculation, staffing patterns and ratios, student demographics, instructional characteristics, program vitality and evaluation and community characteristics

• Designs and administers measurement instruments including tests, surveys, rating scales, and structured interview instruments

• Analyzes assessment data, external report findings, and trends in education and community characteristics, translates implications and limitations, and anticipates planning and information needs of schools and districts within Santa Clara County as well as schools and counties that participate in SCCOE programs

• Evaluates problems to determine whether they are amenable to statistical inquiry and formulates the investigative processes and procedures to be followed

• Participates in the review and approval of standards and assessment instruments and measurements developed by other COE departments

• Prepares data for analysis and verifies accuracy, develops databases, systems, and programs that facilitate assessment and evaluation and monitors process implementation and program outcomes

• Prepares research reports in proper technical form for publication containing descriptive, analytical, and evaluative content including statistical findings, conclusions and forecasts

• Collects, compiles, describes, organizes, analyzes, interprets and presents data and information related to matters under study

• Selects, adapts and applies appropriate tests, measurements, assessments and research and statistical techniques to specific areas of study

• Effectively uses office and statistical application programs in the course of assigned duties

• Reviews and authorizes the release of assessment and accountability reports to clients

• Determines the information needs and sources of data

• Explains and interprets research assessment and accountability methodology and findings to interested parties

• Establishes and maintains cooperative and collaborative work relationships with those contacted in the course of assigned duties

• Operates standard office equipment including a desktop computer, scanner, calculator, and other peripheral

• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Principles and procedures of assessment and accountability, research planning, design, methodology, and analysis including measurement theory, educational data collection instruments
• Principles, theories, techniques, and methods of descriptive and inferential statistics and advanced psychometric methods associated with test design and development
• Principles of management, organization, and accountability analysis
• Features and capabilities of computers, peripheral and survey equipment, and information systems procedures and methods in self contained and web-based environments
• Technical writing and data presentation

• Principles, techniques, and methods of project management

• Management and organization infrastructures of school districts, public school employers and educational agencies

• Strategic planning and policy development

• Proper English usage, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation

• Desktop computer software used for database management, report writing, communications, spreadsheets, graphics, word-processing and desktop publishing

• Technical research procedures, methods and techniques

• Psychometric methods used in test design and development and accountability

• Learn, interpret and apply policies, laws, rules, regulations, and objectives of the SCCOE

• Perform responsible research tasks, applying independently judgment in the use of conventional and original techniques in research methodology

• Create effective and relevant research and evaluation designs

• Accurately perform and apply mathematical calculations, statistical theory, and methods used to determine information needs; identify, collect, compile, describe, analyze, interpret and present data and facts as a basis for reference

• Present data and factual information for program improvement and decision-making, recognizing significant factors, relationships and trends

• Cope with novel and difficult problems

• Effectively communicate in both oral and written form for both technical and non-technical audiences including public forums and professional development training activities

• Write comprehensive technical reports and explain information and data in its most meaningful and understandable form with clarity and precision

• Critically review assessment and accountability reports prior to dissemination

• Demonstrate professional maturity and good judgment when participating in department-wide project planning and job assignments

• Establish and maintain a cooperative relationship with those contacted in the course of assigned duties.

Generally, any combination of education or experience that could provide the required knowledge and abilities is considered as qualifying. A typical method of demonstrating these qualifications would be:

• Possession of Bachelor's degree from and college or university accredited by one of the six regional associations authorized by the U.S. Department of Education with major coursework research methods, statistical techniques, educational planning, or a related field; A Master’s degree is desirable; and

• Three years of progressive experience with demonstrated competence to conduct comprehensive assessment studies and analytical projects including one year of educational research and evaluation experience

BARGAINING UNIT: Office, Technical, and Business Services (OTBS) Unit

WORKING CONDITIONS: Duties are performed in an office environment while sitting at a desk and program sites and in the community to make oral presentations and attend meetings. Incumbents may be required to work a flexible schedule evening and weekend hours. May require the use of personal vehicle in the course of employment, may be required to attend evening meetings. Occasionally operates a desktop computer for extended periods of time. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Incumbents regularly stand and sit for long periods of time, walk short distances on a regular basis, use hands to handle, feel, finger, and to operate a computer keyboard or other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, stoop or kneel or crouch to file speak clearly and distinctly to answer telephones and to provide information; see to read fine print and operate desktop computer; hear and understand voices over the telephone and in person; and move and transport program materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

Personnel Commission Approval: April 02
Revised: June 22, 2006