Project Manager, ELPA Indicator

About Us

At the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), we go beyond merely offering jobs – we actively seek out extraordinary individuals to join our team. As the primary agency entrusted with overseeing K-12 public education in Oklahoma, we are steadfastly devoted to making a meaningful impact on the districts and students we serve. Our exceptional team at OSDE is renowned for its commitment to superior customer service, innovation, and unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter future for students across the state. We work hand-in-hand with over 500 school districts and maintain a close partnership with the legislature, ensuring that each Oklahoma student receives the exceptional education they deserve. If you're in search of a fulfilling career that allows you to make a profound difference in the lives of children, you've arrived at the right place. Join us in our mission to empower students and elevate the standard of education in Oklahoma. For further insights into OSDE, please visit our website at www.sde.ok.gov.

Position Overview

The Project Manager, ELPA Indicator, plays a pivotal role in overseeing the English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) Indicator process. This individual will be responsible for managing EL proficiency exits, handling Band Exit requests, liaising with Accountability Reporting on all EL data matters, managing EL Misidentification appeals, and providing technical assistance to districts on Accountability Reporting and WAVE data.

Please note: This role requires a consistent, in-person presence at the designated workplace in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with no remote, telecommuting, or hybrid options.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, data management, or closely related field [official transcripts required upon hire];
• Five (5) years experience in education with English Learners at the K-12 level.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, data management, or closely related field [official transcripts required upon hire].
  
  

Special Requirements

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship now or in the future;
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check;
• Must possess a valid driver’s license from a U.S. state or territory to perform necessary job-related travel.
  
  

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Knowledge & Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of ELPA protocols, procedures, and requirements for assessing English Language Learners' proficiency levels. Knowledge of ELPA Indicator, scoring criteria, and proficiency exit criteria is crucial for overseeing proficiency exits and Band Exit requests effectively.
• EL Proficiency Exits and Band Exit Requests: Oversee the process of EL proficiency exits and manage Band Exit requests in accordance with state guidelines and regulations.
• Accountability Reporting Liaison: Serve as the primary liaison with Accountability Reporting on all matters related to EL data, ensuring accuracy and compliance with reporting requirements.
• EL Misidentification Appeals: Manage appeals related to EL misidentification, providing guidance to districts and ensuring fair and accurate resolution of appeals.
• Professional Development and Guidance Documents: Develop and disseminate professional development resources and guidance documents for districts on ELPA Indicator procedures, criteria for proficiency exits, and compliance requirements.
• Technical Assistance: Provide technical assistance to districts on Accountability Reporting processes, WAVE data submission, and other related areas to support accurate data reporting and compliance.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze ELPA Indicator data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement. Prepare reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including district administrators, educators, state agencies, and community organizations, to ensure alignment of ELPA Indicator Assessment processes with broader educational goals.
• Professional Demeanor: Exhibit a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude. Build relationships, display integrity, and maintain professionalism in communication, behavior, and appearance. Embrace feedback for performance improvement.
• Attendance: Ensure reliable and punctual in-person presence for quality teamwork, productivity, and collaboration. Demonstrate commitment by being engaged, available, and dependable to colleagues and customers.
• Innovation: Identify and address evolving needs and challenges in education. Apply critical thinking, explore new ideas, and embrace innovative approaches to enhance educational outcomes for all students. Utilize creativity, resourcefulness, and forward-thinking to drive positive change and find solutions to complex problems in the field of education.
• Efficiency: Maximize resource utilization and streamline operations. Optimize processes, eliminate redundancies, and leverage technology to enhance productivity and performance. Proactively identify efficiency opportunities and implement best practices for continuous improvement.
• Superior Customer Service: Go above and beyond to deliver exceptional assistance that surpasses expectations. Create positive experiences and build trust-based relationships. Maintain a positive and helpful attitude, using appropriate language, tone, and behavior to consistently reflect the agency positively and leave a favorable impression.
  
  

Essential Competencies

• Effective Communication: Communicates clearly, respectfully, and empathetically in verbal and written forms. Tailors messages to diverse audiences, actively listens, and fosters mutual understanding to support collaboration and workplace relationships.
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Analyzes information objectively and thoughtfully to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement practical solutions. Applies logic and creativity to address challenges and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Organizational Awareness: Demonstrates understanding of how individual work supports broader organizational goals. Aligns daily tasks and priorities with the mission and values of the organization to contribute to its overall success.
• Planning & Time Management: Effectively organizes tasks, sets priorities, and manages time to meet deadlines and support team objectives. Adjusts to shifting demands while maintaining productivity and quality of work.
• Emotional Intelligence: Exhibits self-awareness and empathy in interactions with others. Maintains composure under pressure and responds constructively to feedback, conflict, or change to support a respectful, inclusive environment.
• Adaptability: Responds flexibly to new information, changes in direction, or evolving circumstances. Embraces opportunities to learn new skills and demonstrates resilience when facing uncertainty.
• Accountability: Takes responsibility for individual actions, decisions, and deliverables. Follows through on commitments and addresses issues transparently to maintain trust and integrity.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Works effectively with others by building trust, sharing information, and supporting shared goals. Contributes to a positive team culture by being respectful, reliable, and open to diverse perspectives.
• Initiative & Continuous Learning: Demonstrates a proactive approach to tasks and seeks out opportunities to grow professionally. Applies feedback and engages in learning activities to strengthen knowledge, skills, and performance.
• Results Orientation: Maintains focus on goals and delivers high-quality work. Tracks progress, evaluates results, and adapts approaches to ensure successful outcomes in alignment with expectations.
• Technology Fluency: Effectively uses current tools and systems relevant to the role. Learns new technologies quickly and identifies ways to use them to improve efficiency and service delivery.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Location: Oliver Hodge Building, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

• Work Environment includes:
• Office Setting: Climate-controlled office setting with exposure to moderate noise; the employee is frequently required to talk, walk, and stand; this position requires long periods of sitting and daily use of computer and phone. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time.
• Physical Demands include:
• Ability to stand, reach, and bend 50% of the time;
• Operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine/printer, and office telephone 75% of the time;
• Ascends/descends stairs 25% of the time;
• Ability to lift to 25 lbs.
• Cognitive Requirements:
• This role requires clear and accurate communication, strong analytical skills, and the ability to evaluate information and make timely decisions.
• Sustained focus and attention to detail are essential, along with memory retention of policies, procedures, and facts over various time frames.
• Adaptability and mental flexibility are also necessary to handle changing information, work conditions, and unexpected challenges.
  

TRAVEL

Occasional (up to 10%) in-state/out-of-state travel may be required.

EEO STATEMENT

The Oklahoma Department of Education provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, OSDE complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.