Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide local school boards and schools with information and clarification regarding Ministry of Education legislation, policies and programs and to monitor compliance and legislative and policy requirements. To inform the ministry about issues and activities in the elementary/secondary education
system.

Duties / Responsibilities :

40% 1. Provides policy clarification to local school boards and schools to monitor and ensure compliance with the policy and legislation for elementary and secondary education by: - clarifying, interpreting and promoting the ministry's business plan, philosophy of education, program initiatives, objectives, legislation, policies, provincial standards and curriculum; - ensuring programs are implemented and consistent with the ministry's philosophy, legislative and policy requirements and are responsive to the local community's educational needs; - monitoring school systems to ensure ongoing accountability by school boards for standards of education; - coordinating information sessions for parent and/or education community groups which would promote and support ministry initiatives; - working with senior board officials to develop effective working partnerships in support of the ministry's changing business directions; - promoting partnerships to support the use of technology and to share information regarding best practices. 40% 2. Monitors and reports on the effectiveness of the school system and the implementing of policy and programs by: - monitoring progress of schools towards the effective implementation of ministry policies and programs (e.g. secondary school reform policy); - developing and implementing a plan for the cyclical review of school effectiveness ( e. g. special education programs); - identify exemplary practices and sharing information with the rest of the ministry and school boards on requests; - researching issues and preparing advisory reports, background reports, briefing and ministerial correspondence. 10% 3. Provides input to ministry policy, program and curriculum development to ensure the needs of local school board are considered in ministry-decision making processes by: - consulting with boards, educational facilities and community representatives and other key stakeholders to facilitate district input into ministry legislation, policies, guidelines and program initiatives; - participating on district/provincial committees and task forces to review, develop and validate policy and new curriculum. 10% 4. Performs other related duties in support of the goals and mandate of the Field Services Branch by: - contributing to the management of the regional office; - as assigned.

Staffing and Licencing :

Position requires that applicants be members in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers.

Knowledge :

Position requires an extensive knowledge and understanding in the application of education theory, principles and practices at the elementary and secondary school levels. Comprehensive knowledge of related legislation (e.g. Education Act), ministry business plan and strategic directions, objectives, policy and priorities to monitor and ensure compliance at the local level to school board administration.

Skills :

Position requires leadership, facilitation and organizational skills to provide a liaison role with boards and interest groups. Analytical skills to review legislation program curriculum and standards to provide interpretation and clarification to school boards. Communicate skills to make presentations, prepare detailed reports, briefing notes and ministerial correspondence including the use of information technology and word processing.

Freedom of Action :

Education Officers work under the supervision of the Regional Manager.