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Researcher 6 (MTSS/Technical Assistance)

Employer
Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI)
Location
Minnesota, United States
Salary
Competitive Salary
Date posted
Oct 19, 2021

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The Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) invites applications for a Researcher 6 position
to conduct research and evaluation projects and provide technical assistance and professional learning to state and local educational agencies around a Multi-Tiered System of Support Framework (MTSS).   These activities involve developing multiple data collection instruments, conducting data collection and analysis, providing technical assistance and professional learning, and report writing.  The candidate will be expected to interact with a variety of stakeholders to acquire and interpret student data. 


The Research Associate will assist in developing and sustaining opportunities to support state and local educational and
social service agencies’ research, evaluation, and assessment efforts across Minnesota, and eventually the country. The
position involves providing support  to address statewide needs in scaling up evidence based practices including : (1)
Supporting school districts and other educational agencies  in evaluating and improving their implementation of an
MTSS framework,  (2) Providing technical assistance to school districts and other educational agencies in developing and implementing action plans for improving student outcomes, (3) Designing and delivering professional learning targeted toward key stakeholder needs, (4) Building and/or identifying tools and resources to assist MN schools in improving data-based decision-making practices (5) Supporting the work of the Wisconsin Minnesota Comprehensive Center (WMCC) in its work with SEA’s, LEA’s, and other educational agencies.  


The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise and experience in the field of education as well as experience in
working in school districts, school settings, or state educational agencies.  In addition, the candidate will have experience supporting the implementation of an MTSS framework and be up to date with research around effective educational practices and implementation/improvement science.  The candidate must be highly organized and skilled in verbal and written communication.  This position will report directly to the Associate Director for Effective Practice; however, it is expected that the ideal candidate will have the ability to work independently and make daily operational decisions within their projects.

The primary purpose of the CAREI Researcher 6’s work is to improve the quality of education for all learners. To achieve that purpose, the Researcher 6 must assist with neutral and rigorous educational research and evaluation projects. This position will be responsible for handling a variety of assigned complex research and evaluation related projects. The position requires an in-depth level of knowledge in the application of research methodologies used in the field of evaluation.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent
employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the
communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. All UMN
employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.  

This is a 100 % time, 12-month academic professional position on an annually renewable contract. Annual renewals are subject to a successful performance review and availability of funds. This position actively supports and advances the University’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The starting date for this position is open and the salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

Job Responsibilities

Technical Assistance and Outreach Services (50%)
● Design and deliver professional learning targeted toward key stakeholder needs.
● Support the development of MTSS deliverables for statewide implementation.
● Building and/or identifying tools and resources to assist MN schools in improving data-based decision-making
practices.
● Provide technical assistance around strategic planning and the development of MTSS implementation of MTSS
plans.
● Provide technical assistance on the implementation of an MTSS framework to local and state educational
agencies.
● Stay current with the latest developments in education in MN and the country.
● Identify and respond to requests for proposals from educational agencies and professional organizations for
CAREI services.

Conduct Research and Evaluation (40%)
● Design and lead implementation reviews of the MTSS framework in LEA’s.
● Design research and evaluation plans to meet the information needs of school districts, non-profit organizations,
higher education institutions, and community organizations.
● Work with clients to develop research-based proposals for grants and research/evaluation projects including
logic models, methods design, and literature reviews.
● Develop qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments including interview protocols, focus group
protocols, surveys, rating scales, and observations to answer the research/evaluation questions specific to projects.
● Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses of data collected for research/evaluation projects.
● Prepare written and oral reports of research and evaluation results.
● Lead research/evaluation teams in the preparation of reports.

Coordinate and Supervise Project Personnel (5%)
● Hire external consultants and oversee their work (as necessary).
● Supervise Graduate Research Assistants.
● Oversee and lead the maintenance of project databases.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications
● Advanced degree in an Education, Psychology, Leadership, Evaluation or related field, with 3 years of experience
● Demonstrated experience working with school systems or at the state education level.
● Experience with implementation of an MTSS or RtI framework.
Preferred Qualifications
● Experience in leading and/or conducting multiple large- and small-scale projects involving students, teacher
parents and administration in schools settings, and coordinating the analysis, evaluation and reporting on all
phases of the project(s)
● Experience with training and providing technician assistance to educational systems.
● Experience in conducting field-based research in local educational agencies (LEAs), schools and social service
agencies using mixed approaches including quantitative and qualitative methodologies to research and evaluate
programs and policies.
● Evidence of successful activity related to securing project funding.
● Ability to work independently, as well as serve on a research team, to make decisions to keep processes moving
forward. 
● Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities,
backgrounds, and identities.

ABOUT CEHD

Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI)
CAREI is a well-established college-wide center that serves as the link between research and practice in Minnesota schools PreK-16 and other agencies interested in applied educational research. We are experts in research, evaluation,
and assessment with a wealth of diverse and interrelated experience. CAREI’s mission is to improve the quality of
education for all learners, thereby society as a whole. This mission and impact will expand in the upcoming years as
CAREI envisions itself as a full-service center that provides research, evaluation and assessment services to educational and social service agencies throughout the state. This is an exciting period of growth and opportunity.
College of Education and Human Development(CEHD)


The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That’s why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

 

To apply visit https://humanresources.umn.edu/content/find-job and search for: Job ID 343876

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