5 Research jobs

MISSION:   The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will improve outcomes for all public-school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.   POSITION OVERVIEW : This position will serve as a Data Compliance Analyst for the Data Reporting Compliance Unit in the Information Technology Services – Business Management Division of the Texas Education Agency. The Data Compliance Analyst will oversee the planning, development, and implementation of data reporting compliance reviews, including some SAS programming, for leaver records and discipline data. This position plays a critical role of supporting multiple data-driven systems by ensuring data submitted through the Texas Student Data System (TSDS) Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) is compliant with required data submission standards by working together with local education agencies (LEAs) to increase transparency, fairness, and rigor and ultimately strengthen organizational foundations.   Please note that a resume and tailored cover letter are required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.  ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Plan, develop, schedule, and conduct   inquiries when PEIMS data submitted by identified LEAs contain anomalies or discrepancies. Compile, research, and analyze   documentation and information submitted by identified LEAs to determine accuracy of reported data. Prepare formal written documents   to improve data submission and support multiple data-driven systems. Analyze TSDS data reporting issues and   devise and implement solutions   based on current knowledge of TSDS PEIMS reporting business rules. Provide technical assistance and training   to LEAs, regional education service centers (ESCs), and other users on Texas Education Data Standards.  Review data validation manuals annually.     MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:   Education:   Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.   Experience:   At least 5 years of experience performing highly analytical, detail-oriented work with high standards of accuracy in technical communication.   Substitutions:   Each additional year of related experience above the required minimum may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.   OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:   Ability to maintain good working relationships with a variety of people and groups, including school district personnel and TEA staff. Ability to analyze problems and process information logically with strong attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple, simultaneous tasks, develop solutions, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment in a positive and patient manner. Ability to express ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing. Experience working with state education data sources. Experience with the Performance-Based Monitoring Data Validation System preferred. SAS programming experience preferred. Familiarity with student discipline procedures preferred. Perform other related duties or tasks as assigned. May need to work outside normal work hours to accommodate other duties or tasks assigned. Ability to self-reflect, give and receive feedback, and continuously improve.    As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or veteran status, unless an applicant is entitled to the veteran’s preference.   Additional Military Crosswalk (occupational specialty code) information can be accessed  here .   This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a pre-employment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency.   No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

    About Us: The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most important challenges facing the United States and the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners. The Aspen Institute Education & Society Program (Aspen Education) improves public education by inspiring, informing, and influencing education leaders across policy and practice, with an emphasis on achieving equity for students of color and students from low-income families. Aspen Education supports leaders at all levels, from networks of urban superintendents and their teams, to state chiefs and their cabinets, to elected officials and their staffers. Aspen Education is focused on: 1)     Advancing a richer vision of student success that integrates the social, emotional, and academic dimensions of learning as essential to advancing equity; 2)     Transforming education systems so that they can sponsor and model exemplary learning and continuous improvement practices; 3)    Developing education leaders to achieve transformation in learning, equity, and efficacy; 4)    Understanding and addressing poverty in America by fostering connections across education and: housing, health and nutrition, transportation, and criminal justice policy and addressing the impact of race and racism on opportunity in America.   And does this work by: 1)     Hosting thought-provoking convenings of diverse leaders from the district, state, national and federal levels that create powerful learning experiences that support and make explicit connections across policy and practice; 2)     Developing resources and tools for national, state, and local policymakers, practitioners, and philanthropy leaders to disseminate lessons and promising practices in a nonpartisan, non-ideological way; 3)     Cultivating and fostering partnerships to inform and challenge our thinking, surface and spread promising practices and recommendations, and share and apply our resources and tools. Associate, Education Practice  The Aspen Institute Education & Society Program is seeking a committed and organized Associate to add critical capacity to the Practice Team. The Aspen Institute Education & Society Program improves public education by creating venues for authentic learning and honest dialogue, and producing a range of resources and tools, for education leaders to shift mindsets, and take action. About the Role: The Associate, Practice works closely with the Assistant Director, Practice, and the broader Program team on the design, planning, and execution of exemplary learning experiences for education leaders, seek and review relevant research, and provide project management for Aspen Education networks, convenings and aligned activities. They will also correspond directly with a diverse set of education leaders.. Essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Supporting the health of practice networks and convenings Content Development for Convenings  Track and synthesize research, education trends, and takeaways from Aspen Education convenings and other outreach to create quality, aligned materials for convenings, including agendas, overviews, facilitation protocols and writing prompts that support exemplary adult learning and reflect our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion  Development of high-quality briefing books to support excellent engagement from participants  Project Management  Manage project planning process for multiple convenings throughout the year Manage  and  execute on project deadlines, external relationships, and partner relationships Lead knowledge capture processes for district and other Practice and Leadership  meetings, including but not limited to: Synthesizing trends and themes to create after-action reports and memos Analyze trends from evaluations and interviews to support continuous improvement  Ensure strong follow up for convening participants  Supporting internal expertise  Identifying relevant content to keep program staff abreast of significant issues in the field and to advance our shared knowledge and growth related to race, equity and inclusion. Excellent maintenance and management of materials to ensure ease of access for the broader Program team Support reliable communication between Practice, Policy, and other teams  Supporting external functions  Support fundraising activities on an as-needed basis  Create strong first-drafts of content, including but not limited to blog posts, reports, conference presentations, and issue briefs Correspond frequently with current and potential l partners and participants About You: Bachelor’s degree required, higher education preferred  3-5 years working in the education sector, experience in K-12 schools or district preferred Commitment to increasing high-quality instruction and student experience in public education, especially for students from low-income families and students of color Subject matter expertise in instructional pedagogy, social and emotional development, and/or adult learning Understanding of K-12 systems change and potential barriers to change at the macro level Solid understanding, interest, and comfort with education policy; enthusiastic about finding intersections and opportunities to integrate and intersect policy and practice discussions Committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across all functions, engagements, and relationships  Excellent project management skills, including but not limited to organization and facilitation of meetings, managing multiple timelines and leading teams to the successful completion of multi-layered projects  Research and analysis skills Excellent written and oral communication skills, including but not limited to distilling salient points into summaries and drafting professional correspondence  Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% of the time. Occasional night and weekend work required, usually as part of planning or execution of site visits About the Work: Aspen Education has developed multiple strategic networks to encourage and facilitate high-impact relationships among practitioners. Those networks include the Urban Superintendents Network, the Chiefs Network, and other workshops built around key questions in schools and school systems.  The Urban Superintendent network brings together a group of Superintendents from prioritized districts and states to facilitate high-quality professional learning and professional collaboration. The Chiefs Networks focuses on Chief Academic Officers and Chief Schools Officers. In addition, the Practice & Leadership team manages ad hoc projects that investigate and inform solutions to complex problems with broad implications for the field. Excellent collaboration, alignment, and continued conversation between the networks, projects, advisors, and partner organizations is key to achieving our desired impact.   In addition, the Education and Society Program team, with the Associate’s contribution, will work to define a strategy that strengthens and advances the overall strategic objectives, focused on creating impact, coherence, and connection across activities as well as recognizes opportunities to connect with the Policy team.  Aspen Education is committed to ensuring the diversity of our team. While not a minimum or mandatory qualification, we strongly encourage candidates of color, those who identify as Native American, women, people of low-income backgrounds, those who are differently-abled, and those with first-hand experience of education inequity to apply for this role. The Aspen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all District and federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against. Candidate must have the ability to work under pressure and handle stress. Candidate must also have the ability to meet the regular attendance policy of the Aspen Institute.

About Us: The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most important challenges facing the United States and the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners. The Aspen Institute Education & Society Program (Aspen Education) improves public education by inspiring, informing, and influencing education leaders across policy and practice, with an emphasis on achieving equity for students of color and students from low-income families. Aspen Education supports leaders at all levels, from networks of urban superintendents and their teams, to state chiefs and their cabinets, to elected officials and their staffers. Aspen Education is focused on: 1)     Advancing a richer vision of student success that integrates the social, emotional, and academic dimensions of learning as essential to advancing equity; 2)     Transforming education systems so that they can sponsor and model exemplary learning and continuous improvement practices; 3)    Developing education leaders to achieve transformation in learning, equity, and efficacy; 4)    Understanding and addressing poverty in America by fostering connections across education and: housing, health and nutrition, transportation, and criminal justice policy and addressing the impact of race and racism on opportunity in America.   And does this work by: 1)     Hosting thought-provoking convenings of diverse leaders from the district, state, national and federal levels that create powerful learning experiences that support and make explicit connections across policy and practice; 2)     Developing resources and tools for national, state, and local policymakers, practitioners, and philanthropy leaders to disseminate lessons and promising practices in a nonpartisan, non-ideological way; 3)     Cultivating and fostering partnerships to inform and challenge our thinking, surface and spread promising practices and recommendations, and share and apply our resources and tools. Associate, Policy  The Aspen Institute Education & Society Program is seeking a committed and organized Associate to add critical capacity to the policy team. The Aspen Institute Education & Society Program improves public education by creating venues for authentic learning and honest dialogue, and producing a range of resources and tools, for education leaders to invest in their own learning, shift mindsets, and take action.  About the Role: The Associate, Policy works closely with the Assistant Director, Policy and the broader Aspen Education Team to support the design, planning, and execution of exemplary learning experiences for education leaders, identifies and reviews emerging research and education policy trends, and provides much-needed project management for the policy work, including Congressional networks and aligned activities and publications. They will correspond frequently and directly with Congressional staff, as well as other policymakers, researchers, and practitioner leaders. The Associate, Policy will report to the Assistant Director, Policy, and join a high-performing, mission-driven team.   Essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Supporting the health of congressional networks and policy convenings Content Development for Convenings  Track and synthesize research, economic mobility and ducation trends, and takeaways from Aspen convenings and other outreach to create quality, aligned materials for convenings, including agendas, overviews, facilitation protocols and writing prompts that support exemplary adult learning and reflect our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion  Development of high-quality briefing books to support excellent engagement from participants Project Management  Manage project planning process for multiple convenings, projects and publications throughout the year Manage  and  execute on project deadlines, including external relationships and partnerships Lead knowledge capture processes for policy and Congressional meetings, including but not limited to: Synthesizing trends and themes to create after-action reports and memos Analyze trends from evaluations and interviews to support continuous improvement  Ensure strong follow up for convening participants Supporting internal expertise  Identify relevant content to keep program staff abreast of key issues in the field of economic mobility and education policy and to advance our shared knowledge and growth related to race, equity and inclusion  Maintain and manage materials in an excellent manner to ensure ease of access for broader Program team Support reliable communication between Practice, Policy and Operations teams  Create strong first-drafts of content, including but not limited to blog posts, policy reports, conference presentations, and issue briefs  Supporting external functions  Support fundraising activities on an as-needed basis  Correspond frequently and professionally with current and potential partners and participants Excellent maintenance and management of materials to ensure ease of access for the broader Program team Support reliable communication between Practice, Policy, and other teams  About You: 3-5 years working in policy or related role (e.g., Hill staffer, think tank) Bachelor’s degree required, higher education preferred  Commitment to increasing mobility from poverty and improving outcomes in public education, especially for students from low-income families and students of color Subject matter expertise around critical issues surrounding poverty, economic access required. Subject matter experise in education policy preferred Excellent project management skills, including but not limited to organization and facilitation of meetings, managing multiple timelines, and leading teams to the successful completion of multi-layered projects  Excellent research and analysis skills Excellent written and oral communication skills, including but not limited to distilling salient points into summaries and drafting professional correspondence  Committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across all functions, engagements, and relationships  Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% of the time. Occasional night and weekend work required, usually as part of planning or execution of site visits.   About the Work:   For nearly 20 years, the Aspen Education Program has led policy development, implementation, and analysis across key issues at the local, state, and federal levels. We identify opportunities to forge coherence and embed a vision of excellence across the myriad policies that shape education and economic opportunity in America.  We convene seminars, retreats, and site visits for diverse groups of policy and practice leaders to surface practical policy solutions, build trusting relationships, and grow as leaders. Aspen Education draws on the lessons learned in our deep work with urban district leaders to frame learning opportunities for policymakers and to facilitate policy development discussions. We leverage our learning across all Aspen convenings to inform and publish policy recommendations and other resources highlighting emerging issues and promising efforts.  Aspen Education sponsors two professional learning networks for Senior Congressional staffers, one network on K-12 federal education policy, and a second on mobility from poverty. These Networks provide a much-needed, off-the-record venue and safe space away from the partisanship of Capitol Hill. The Networks have two key objectives: (1) build collaborative working relationships, and (2) establish a shared knowledge base by learning from local leaders and scholars. Considered one of the premier learning opportunities on the Hill, these engagements also afford Aspen Education a unique vantage on the issues of most interest to Congressional staff and the perspectives of experts in the field regarding the status of federal policy implementation. While the Education Staff Network has been active for over 15 years, the Aspen Mobility from Poverty Senior Congressional Staff Network is a new ongoing network of 20-25 of the most senior committee and leadership staff. These participants play a pivotal role in drafting and negotiating legislation and appropriating funds related to mobility from poverty (including  but not limited to  education policy). This network will draw from leadership offices and multiple committees to increase congressional staff knowledge and capacity through learning and relationship-building across parties, committees, and chambers of Congress – as well as with experts from the field.    Aspen Education is committed to ensuring the diversity of our team. While not a minimum or mandatory qualification, we strongly encourage candidates of color, those who identify as Native American, women, people of low-income backgrounds, those who are differently-abled, and those with first-hand experience of education inequity to apply for this role. The Aspen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all District and federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against. Candidate must have the ability to work under pressure and handle stress. Candidate must also have the ability to meet the regular attendance policy of the Aspen Institute.

MISSION:  The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will improve outcomes for all public-school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems. POSITION OVERVIEW:  The psychometrician serves as a key member of the State Assessment Data and Psychometrics team in the Performance Reporting Division. This position is critical to the ongoing support of student assessments and accountability for the state of Texas. The role involves responding to written and verbal inquiries from internal TEA divisions, educators, parents, and the public. With guidance from a senior psychometrician, this position assists in quality control and interacts with contractors concerning the complex psychometric and statistical aspects of the statewide testing program (e.g., scaling, equating, and scoring). More specifically, the psychometrician performs functions that assists in the new item data and test form construction review, reviewing and verifying technical documentation, providing ad hoc statistical analyses, designing and implementing research projects, oversight and validation of sampling plans for projects conducted by TEA and test contractor. The responsibilities also involve using SAS software to acquire, analyze, and manage data related to assigned projects. The psychometrician works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Please note that a resume is a required attachment for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Development of Testing:  Participates in activities related to the standard setting, field testing, pilot testing, scaling, calibration, and equating of student performance data for the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR), STAAR Alternate2, the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) and TELPAS Alternate. Psychometric Analysis:  Performs collaborative psychometric/statistical work related to the psychometric component of the Texas assessment program. Special Projects and Studies:  Participates in special projects performed by or on behalf of the psychometric component of the Texas assessment program. Psychometric Consultation:  Provides advanced psychometric and statistical consultation to the TEA staff. Responds to written and verbal inquiries from internal TEA divisions, educators, parents, the public. Policy and Compliance Review:  Analyzes division policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and agency regulations.   Qualifications   MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education:   Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. An advanced degree in educational measurement, psychometrics, statistics, or other closely related quantitative field is preferred. Experience:   At least (4) years of experience in the utilization of psychometric methods, statistical procedures and their applications in testing programs. Substitutions:   An advanced degree may substitute for two years of required experience.   OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Understanding of classical test theory, item response theory and psychometric statistics is required. Experience with statistical analysis software such as SAS, SPSS syntax and IRT software such as BILOG, LOGIST, WINSTEPS, and/or PARSCALE. Experience designing and conducting statistical and psychometric analyses in support of testing programs such as item calibration, linking and equating, item analysis, differential item functioning, factor analysis, reliability and validity analysis. Familiarity with the large-assessment programs for Texas public schools and the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) is preferred. Ability to develop standardized procedures and related documentation to ensure compliance with rules and guidelines. Highly effective in breaking down complex information into comprehensive parts for non-technical audiences. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Meticulous attention to detail with an ability to produce high quality work in a dynamic environment.  Highly organized; ability to manage multiple projects at once and meet deadlines.  High intellectual ceiling with the ability to solve new and dynamic operating problems. A desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback and continuously improve. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or veteran status, unless an applicant is entitled to the veteran’s preference. Additional Military Crosswalk (occupational specialty code) information can be accessed   here . This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a pre-employment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency. No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

MISSION: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will improve outcomes for all public-school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems. POSITION OVERVIEW: This position is in the Division of Research and Analysis. The selected candidate will perform complex data analysis, conduct research and evaluation work, and develop, implement, and manage multiple, simultaneous internal and external projects. The work produced by this position provides important feedback regarding the implementation and impact of programs and initiatives in the areas of student performance, college and career readiness, and school improvement that will be used for program development and improvement. The work associated with this position involves responding to immediate research and evaluation needs in support of commissioner priorities; conducting research, data analyses, and in-house program evaluations; and providing technical assistance to agency staff as needed. Work also involves the day-to-day project management of third-party contracted evaluation vendors. The selected candidate will participate in project and division planning and will work under minimal supervision, with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Please note that all relevant experience/coursework/trainings and/or workshops should be clearly indicated on your application. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Responds to ad hoc data analysis and internal evaluation requests related to commissioner priorities or other internal agency staff requests. Assists with the production of on-time, high-quality and accurate analytical tasks, through documenting, implementing and understanding business decisions to create clean, well-documented SAS code that follow the unit’s processing rules. Perform accuracy and quality control checks of unit products, including those generated by other team members, with a high degree of quality and accuracy. Prepare concise and comprehensive reports and summarize research findings for dissemination to diverse audiences including the commissioner of education, Texas Legislature, TEA management and program staff, as well as the general public. Provide feedback on contracted work products (e.g., evaluation plans, statistical analysis plans, data collection instruments, reports) and conduct the day-to-day management of evaluation activities for the length of the contract. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check. Additionally, please be sure to respond to the short answer prompt found in the supplemental questions. The response should be added in a separate Word or PDF document in the attachments section of the application.   Qualifications   MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in education, sociology, psychology, psychometrics, and/or statistics. Experience: At least three (3) years of experience managing research or program evaluations with intermediate knowledge of designing and conducting statistical analyses, managing complex projects, or designing/implementing data collection instruments. Substitutions: Education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis. OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Proven experience with the research and evaluation process (e.g., problem identification, evaluation design, methods, data collection and management, statistical techniques, analysis, and reporting. Experience compiling and querying data from large, institutional databases and state education data sources (e.g., PEIMS, STAAR, etc.) preferred. Experience working with the SAS programming language. Ability to successfully manage projects and meet deadlines, analyze problems and develop solutions in a fast-paced environment, and express ideas clearly, verbally and in writing. Experience planning and implementing research projects. Ability to process information logically, and manage multiple, simultaneous tasks. Ability to synthesize data analyses and research results. Capable of producing high quality research and written work in a fast-paced environment. Experience with MS Office suite, especially Word, Excel and Outlook. Ability to maintain good working relationships with a variety of people and groups including external vendors, school district personnel, and TEA staff. A desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback, and continuously improve. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or veteran status, unless an applicant is entitled to the veteran’s preference. Additional Military Crosswalk (occupational specialty code) information can be accessed here . This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a pre-employment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency. No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.