EDUCATION OFFICER

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is modernizing Ontario's approach to large-scale assessment. This transformation is part of an exciting mandate to contribute to the continuous improvement of Ontario's publicly-funded education system. The agency creates and delivers engaging and relevant assessments for students that lead to further insights into their learning.

EQAO is seeking two dynamic individuals interested in cutting-edge approaches to large-scale assessment to join the Literacy team.

What can I expect to do in this role?

You will:
• provide expertise in the design, planning, development, administration, scoring and reporting of the new modernized digital literacy assessments
• review policies and perform research relating to assessing, evaluating and reporting student achievement in literacy across the province and other jurisdictions
• plan and lead large-scale education assessment projects
• design and develop assessment and scoring content and digital platforms with a focus on equity, inclusion, accommodations and student well-being
• analyze and report on the results of provincial assessments to support high-level decision-making
• present to various stakeholders, lead consultations and participate on committees with a variety of education stakeholders (e.g. teachers, parents, principals)

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

For the bilingual position only:
You must possess oral and written French language skills at the superior level. Your proficiency level will be confirmed before hire

Education Sector Knowledge

• You have knowledge of education theory and pedagogy as they relate to student achievement in literacy in elementary/secondary schools.
• You have an understanding of online assessment design, including the creation of student-focused and engaging assessments that incorporate an enhanced user experience with technology-enhanced items, and gamification.
• You have knowledge of large-scale assessment practices.
• You have an understanding of the relationship between large-scale provincial assessments and classroom assessments.
• You have an understanding of accommodations for students and how they pertain to online large-scale assessments.
• You have a deep understanding of equity and inclusion issues and how they may impact student performance and well-being on large-scale assessments.
• You have experience applying educational theories, professional principles and practices to develop tools and resource materials.
• You have experience incorporating current technologies to meet pedagogical requirements.

Policy, Research and Analytical Skills

• You have experience incorporating education policies and research into assessment strategies and resources.
• You can apply research techniques, statistics, test theory, and sampling theory to analyze provincial data and outcomes.
• You can research, analyze, assess and compare achievement and contextual data to develop recommendations.

Communication, Consultation and Negotiation Skills

• You can lead consultations and develop consensus and understanding with stakeholders (e.g. teachers, parents, principals) who may have opposing needs and positions.
• You can communicate information clearly to a variety of audiences.
• You have relationship-management skills and an ability to develop and foster positive networks with stakeholders.
• You have excellent oral, written and electronic communication skills to prepare and edit assessment content, resource and technical materials, briefing notes, reports, and presentations.

Project Management and Leadership Skills

• You have experience in project management, leadership, presentation and technological skills.
• You can provide project leadership and technical guidance to staff.

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OPS Commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti- racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the  OPS Anti-Racism Policy and theOPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the application instructions below if you require a disability-related accommodation.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Monday, October 25, 2021 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.