State Testing Program Coordinator - Georgia Connections Academy

School Summary: 

Georgia Connections Academy is a tuition-free, full-time virtual school for students in grades K-12 throughout Georgia. The school is authorized by the Georgia Charter Schools Commission and governed by an independent Board of Directors, with a mission to maximize academic achievement for students who are seeking other academic options. The school is operated by Georgia Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Academy of Georgia, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by Cognia, and Georgia Connections Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. 

Position Summary: 

Working from our office in Duluth, Georgia, the State Testing Program Coordinator works alongside the Director and Assistant Director of State Testing to ensure that testing administrations are conducted efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with state and federal regulations. They are responsible for supporting the implementation of statewide testing programs throughout the district. The program coordinator will ensure communication regarding state testing requirements, test security, provide assessment training to test examiners, and support testing environments within the district. 

All GACA staff must be able to participate in monthly in-person activities, including but not limited to: 

• School and department meetings, 
• Student engagement opportunities, 
• Required training/development, 
• School-level events, such as state testing and graduation. 

This is a 12-month, full-time position. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Training: 

○ Verifies that all Test Examiners and Proctors have participated and completed all GaDOE required assessment and test security training as published in the Student Assessment Handbook and in the Assessment Updates.

○ Trains school-based personnel in test security protocols and assessment administration policies and procedures and ensures Test Examiners, Proctors, the special education teachers, ESOL teachers, and any others who have responsibilities related to testing and/or testing materials receive training (including any make-up training sessions) prior to all assessment administrations. 

○ Maintains local records of all training sessions for all assessments including agenda, sign in sheets, handouts, and presentations. 

• Communication: 

○ Collaborates with testing vendors to manage contracts and ensure secure handling of test data 

○ Ensures that all staff receive current information throughout the school year as provided by the System Test Coordinator to ensure compliance with successful test administrations. 

○ Coordinates with local school and/or system divisions to ensure successful test administrations (Special Education, Technology, Title III, etc.) 

○ Ensures that all stakeholders are aware of testing requirements, testing locations, and test schedules. 

• Test Security Requirements: 

○ Assigns Test Examiner(s) to testing sites based on need. 

○ Ensures that only personnel who have received test security and appropriate management of secure test materials training, and who are GaPSC certified, handle such materials. 

○ Manages the logistics of test material distribution, including the preparation and retrieval of testing supplies. 

○ Ensures that appropriate security provisions are in place relative to online testing environments and materials including, but not limited to, security of logins, passcodes, conducive seating arrangements, etc. 

• Testing Environment Requirements: 

○ Secures testing sites at various locations across the state for various testing administrations. 

○ Prepares material for testing locations and ensures availability and readiness of student devices, school network, and bandwidth preparedness in collaboration with technology coordinators. 

○ Provides Test Examiners with a roster of students identified by GTID in each test session to include a list of accommodations, if applicable 

○ Provides test tickets for each student identified on the roster for the designated content area/course, grade level and test section for each day of testing. 

○ Accounts for participation of all students in terms of testing requirements, including special populations and those requiring testing accommodations. 

○ Provides ongoing technical assistance and support during test administration. ○ Responds to inquiries and troubleshoot issues related to testing processes.

• Other duties as assigned 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Must be a GaPSC certified educator 
• Must have no ethics violations 
• Must have received a rating of Effective or Highly Effective in the most recent performance review. 
• Must have a clearance certificate as defined by the GaPSC. 
• Must have a GaPSC Education Leadership Certificate (Tier 1) or currently enrolled in a leadership program. 
• Ability to travel as needed for testing administrations. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Education : Bachelor’s degree in education, administration, or a related field. Master’s degree or degree in Instructional Technology preferred. 
• Demonstrates exceptional oral and written communication skills 
• Project Management experience 
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. 
• Skilled in the use of spreadsheets & formulas 
• Experience in training and/or coaching adult learners 
• Demonstrated ability to administer state mandated assessments free of adult caused irregularities 
• Experience in analyzing data to make informed decisions
• Strong desire to continue career improvement and advancement through professional development