Manager of Testing and Accountability -Lowcountry Connections Academy

School Summary:

Lowcountry Connections Academy (LCCA) is a tuition-free, full-time virtual school serving students in grades K-12 throughout South Carolina. LCCA is authorized under state law by the Charter Institute of Erskine and operated by LowCountry Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Academy LLC. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by Cognia, and LCCA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.

Position Summary:

The Manager of Testing and Accountability ensures the efficient, accurate, and compliant administration of all testing activities in accordance with state and federal regulations. This role serves as the primary point of contact for managing and supporting all operational aspects of high-stakes state testing. The manager will provide guidance and training to stakeholders, manage testing logistics, ensure state-specific accountability compliance, and implement effective testing solutions (both paper-based and computer-based). Responsibilities include managing, organizing, and collaborating with the administration team to maintain secure and confidential testing environments. This position also involves analyzing data, developing training to enhance academic performance, and managing student accountability measures such as short-cycle assessments and test preparation programs.

Key Responsibilities

Testing Program Management:

• Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive testing plan for all students, adhering to the approved testing budget and ensuring compliance with best practices and taxpayer dollar usage.
• Coordinate and manage all aspects of state testing, including registration, logistics, and administration.
• Design, implement, and oversee a Testing Preparation and Strategy Program for SAT/ACT/WIN and ASVAB.
• Oversee, monitor, and evaluate staff designated as instructional leaders of the SAT/ACT/WIN and ASVAB preparation programs.
• Plan and execute the ASVAB Test in both Spring and Fall.
• Maintain a comprehensive and accurate listing of students who are College and/or Career ready for the graduating class. Make phone calls home to help formulate a plan to get ALL students CCR status by graduation. Create a document to note this that is shared with school leader monthly. A minimum expectation of 70% CCR is anticipated for this role.
• Create and maintain test registration data views in Pearson Online Classroom
• Create a testing confirmation dashboard.
• Ensure the school achieves formative testing participation of 85% or higher and summative testing participation of 95% or higher for each testing cycle.
• Serve as the administrator in charge of contacting families that have not tested, or are reluctant to test.
• Serve as the administrator who processes withdrawals for students who refuse to test.
• Ensure appropriate documentation is given to the registrar for Powerschool coding of non-tested students.
• Ensure that documentation of CCR and all other tested data is accurately reported in the correct system within South Carolina.
• Identify and recognize students who yield excellent results.
• Identify and create a plan forward for instructors who yield poor results.
• Provide leadership with teacher scores from inception to current year, documenting trends and areas of concern for improvement.
• Oversee staff PD for increasing student pass rates in tested subject areas.
• Complete observations of tested subject area classes, providing feedback and creating professional development plans alongside the school leader.
• Develop plans to help acclimate students to testing norms to reduce testing anxiety.
• Document and showcase testing averages from inception to the current year.
• Complete LWS Submissions timely and efficiently.
• Review and understand test administration and portal manuals.
• Register for and complete district communications and training related to testing.
• Other duties as assigned by the School Leader.

Logistics and Operations:

• Map students to testing locations based on enrollments and testing population, assign staff and materials.
• Secure all testing venues. Visit testing sites to ensure effective spaces are available and within compliance.
• Develop a methodology for all testing sites to look highly professional and provide ease of finding site locations and specific testing rooms.
• Create and provide intensive training for all staff for all testing.
• Ensure appropriate testing documentation and staff affidavits are completed and filed correctly.
• Approve and book travel & meals for testing staff at testing sites.
• Supervise payment processes related to testing.
• Prepare and arrange for shipment and retrieval of testing materials and technology to and from test sites.
• Create technology logistics plans and submit technology requests at least 60 days before the expected arrival date.

Compliance and Accommodations:

• Ensure compliance with all state assessment requirements and deadlines.
• Work with the Special Populations team to identify students requiring 504/IEP meetings to plan for testing accommodations.
• Work with the counseling team to confirm midyear grade level changes impacting testing and graduation requirements for seniors.
• Assist with organizing accurate identification of English Learner students.
• Assist with maintaining student records for accountability purposes.
• Assist with reconciliations of state school systems.

Communication and Training:

• Train test administrators and proctors.
• Complete the State Testing Representative Course and the State Test Prep Course.
• Attend all Erskine and State Level Testing Meetings and regularly scheduled state testing meetings held by PVS.
• Create and implement a plan to notify families, teachers, and other stakeholders of testing sites/dates/times to ensure high participation (95% or higher).
• Create a live escalation plan for no-shows and potential non-testers.
• Host a Parent Night with information for all testing given.
• Develop and implement a plan for distributing testing scores to families.
• Organize the collection of state test scores to request an import to Pearson Online Classroom and manage the distribution of score reports to families.
• Deliver training for staff and families related to testing.
• Provide updates as needed during weekly leadership meetings.
• Oversee ongoing communication throughout the year regarding testing.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Provide briefings to the School Leader on data post-test for each test given.
• Collaborate with the School Leadership Team on data analysis and data delivery to teachers and students.
• Assist with the preparation of test data, school report card, or other school data needs related to testing.
• Develop a plan to increase student participation in state testing.
• Be responsible for pulling reports regarding testing and percentages.
• Provide monthly updates to anticipated state reporting percentages based on formative and summative results.
• Participate in the administration of the state testing, including in-person proctoring of WIDA and/or SBAC/WCAS testing at various locations around the state of South Carolina;
• Participate in student recruiting sessions and other marketing efforts that require staff representation.

Professional Development and Recognition:

• Oversee Professional Development with STAR for Staff.
• Oversee professional development for any other testing preparation software/programs needed.
• Work with Pearson to develop further SC Department of Education Approved Pathways.
• Develop and implement a program to reward and recognize students and staff for excellent scores.

General Responsibilities:

• All LCCA staff are required to participate in monthly in-person activities, including school and department meetings, student engagement opportunities, required training/development, and school-level events such as state testing and graduation.

Required Experiences:

• Master's in Education is required
• Certification to teach in South Carolina is required.Principal/Admin Certification is preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of teaching experience
• Minimum of 1 year in a leadership role preferred
• Previous online education experience is a plus
• Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft OS and MS Office programs)
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Customer focused approach
• High degree of flexibility
• Demonstrated ability to work well in fast paced environment
• Team player track record
• Availability to work a consistent daily schedule Monday thru Friday; 8 hours daily during peak student hours per school requirements.
• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and an email address for two-step authentication.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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