Director of Student Accountability and Assessment - Utah Connections Academy

<p><strong>School Summary:</strong></p> <p>Utah Connections Academy (UCA) is a tuition-free, online public school that serves students in grades K–12 throughout Utah. UCA is authorized under state law by the Utah State Charter School Board and governed by an independent Board of Directors. The school is operated by Utah Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Academy of Utah, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. UCA is accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, the Northwest Accreditation Commission, and the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), which are accrediting divisions of Cognia.</p> <p><em>Utah Connections Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.</em></p> <p><strong>Position Summary and Responsibilities</strong></p> <p>Working remotely from your home office, the Director of Student Accountability & Assessment is a senior leader responsible for overseeing the integrity and effectiveness of student performance across virtual learning environments. This position oversees all aspects of accountability and assessment at Utah Connections Academy.   A key focus of this position is the strategic planning, implementation, and oversight of all accountability aspects and ensuring a smooth, compliant, and effective testing experience for students and staff across all applicable programs. This position will report directly to the School Leader.</p> <p>The job responsibilities include but are not limited to:</p> <p><strong>Accountability</strong></p> <ul> <li>Data analysis of past accountability scores as well as predictive analysis of future accountability scores.</li> <li>Provide lists of students for high impact adjustments to instruction and/or additional instructional programming suggestions based on previous scores in order to increase future scores</li> <li>Analyze test performance data and integrate findings into school improvement plans.</li> <li>Manage timely, accurate submission of reports to authorizers, the state department of education, and internal stakeholders.</li> <li>Support in annual reviews of school handbooks, policy guides, and procedures for</li> <li>Evaluate the curriculum and instruction program effectiveness for the assigned subject areas based on evaluative findings (including student achievement data) and recommend changes as needed.</li> <li>Collaborate with school leaders to develop and implement actionable goals that support school growth, academic integrity, and continuous improvement.</li> <li>Disaggregate, calculate and interpret student assessment data, which will include all state assessments, state interim assessments, local benchmark assessments, and curriculum-based assessments (CBA) through-out the school year.</li> <li>Develop procedures and support structures aligned with district, state, and federal accountability frameworks.</li> <li>Work with instructional teams to analyze test data and develop student achievement goals and objectives.</li> <li>Disaggregating and analyzing state and local assessment data to identify trends, project student growth, and evaluate program effectiveness.</li> <li>Conduct training on assessment administration and data usage and interpretation for all school staff.</li> <li>Contribute to strategic planning at the school and organizational level.</li> <li>Other duties as assigned</li> </ul> <p><strong>Assessment</strong></p> <ul> <li>Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all state-mandated assessments including state interim and summative exams,  Acadience, MAP, WIDA, DLM, and other compliance testing.</li> <li>Ensure 100% compliance with test administration protocols, scheduling, training, documentation, and secure handling of materials.</li> <li>Monitor participation rates and take proactive steps to meet or exceed all state required thresholds at all campuses.</li> <li>Other duties as assigned.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Staff Management</strong></p> <ul> <li>Promote a culture of high expectations and staff morale through clear communication, coaching, and collaboration.</li> <li>Supervise staff through bi-weekly check-ins, providing feedback, and ensuring performance targets are met.</li> <li>Oversee the Testing Site Coordinators at each location,</li> </ul> <p><strong>Qualifications</strong></p> <ul> <li>Advanced degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field preferred</li> <li>Required Licensure: Utah Teaching or Administrative License</li> <li>3–5 years of proven leadership experience in K–12 education</li> <li>Prior experience managing state testing and accountability systems</li> <li>Virtual school leadership experience highly desirable</li> <li>Demonstrated ability to lead school improvement based on data-driven insights</li> <li>Supervisory or team leadership experience strongly preferred</li> <li>Willingness to travel for school events and state testing (occasional overnight travel required)</li> <li>Ability to work some evening hours to support families and students</li> </ul> <p><strong>Skills & Competencies</strong></p> <ul> <li>Deep understanding of K–12 testing protocols, federal/state accountability measures, and compliance requirements</li> <li>Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills</li> <li>Technologically proficient and comfortable with student information systems, data platforms, and virtual collaboration tools</li> <li>Innovative, adaptable, and a team player</li> <li>Results-focused, with a track record of driving student achievement</li> <li>Willingness and ability to travel as needed</li> </ul>

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