Westat is an employee-owned corporation providing research services to agencies of the U.S. Government, as well as businesses, foundations, and state and local governments. Westat's research, technical, and administrative staff of more than 2,000 is located at our headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, near Washington, DC.
Westat is committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity, belonging and equity for all. We believe that our greatest strength draws on the different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our employees.
Job Summary:
Westat is seeking an individual who is passionate about special education data and technical assistance to be a member of our Education Studies Practice team. In this role you will work directly with state education agencies to build their capacity to collect, analyze, report and use data to accurately identify and address significant disproportionality in special education. You will also have opportunities to participate in other education research/technical assistance (TA) projects.
A hybrid work arrangement with 1-2 days onsite at a Westat office is preferred, remote work arrangements will be considered.
Job Responsibilities:
• Provide technical assistance (TA) to state education agencies (SEAs), and local education agencies (LEAs), through the SEAs, to improve their systems and processes related to significant disproportionality in special education including developing and implementing the standard methodology; conducting root cause analyses; reviewing policies, practices, and procedures; and using data to address significant disproportionality; as well as provide TA to SEAs and LEAs on other education related topics.
• Build relationships with SEA staff to understand their context, identify areas of need, and serve as their point of contact to support them and their districts.
• Develop tools and resources for SEAs and LEAs to improve their capacity to collect, analyze, report and use data to accurately identify and address significant disproportionality.
• Contribute content to blogs and newsletter articles related to significant disproportionality.
• Present at national, regional, and state conferences on significant disproportionality related topics.
Basic Qualifications:
• A bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, sociology or related social science field with 10 years of related experience; or a master’s degree in education, psychology, sociology or related social science field with 6 years of related experience; or a PhD in education, psychology, sociology or related social science field with 2 years of related experience.
• Experience providing technical assistance related to disability, education programs, equity, significant disproportionality, or Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)/special education data.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience working in state or local education agencies.
• Specific experience with data required under IDEA including sections 616 and 618.
• Experience with root cause analysis and policy, procedure and practice reviews.
• An interest in advancing educational equity.
Other Required Qualifications:
• Demonstrated communication skills.
• Collaboration with teams, managers and/or clients.
• Organization skills, including time management ability.
• Detail oriented.
Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:
This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.
#LI-WST1