DESCRIPTION:

Position Summary: The Office of Multilingual Learners (OML) ensures that our Multilingual Learners/English Language Learners (MLs/ELLs) receive the high-quality, rigorous learning opportunities and targeted support they need to thrive in college and careers. OML drives the New York City Public Schools’ (NYCPS’) focus on and support of its MLs/ELLs and creates professional development opportunities across New York City to help educators support all students to be MLs/ELLs. Consistent with the NYCPS, OML is committed to better serving culturally and linguistically diverse learners and promoting equity by:

• Leading all ML/ELL initiatives system wide, including the creation, development, deployment, implementation, and monitoring of ML/ELL supports, resources, and services across districts, offices, and schools;
• Developing and implementing innovative programs and supports to ensure postsecondary success and welcoming school environments for every ML/ELL and immigrant student, including MLs/ELLs with disabilities, in temporary housing, with interrupted formal education, or who are newcomers or long-term ELLs;
• Expanding parent choice with the creation of new Dual Language Bilingual Education and Transitional Bilingual Education programs to support MLs/ELLs in gaining language proficiency in English and their home language;
• Promoting meaningful family and community empowerment; and
• Providing standards-aligned professional development opportunities for principals, teachers and staff to deepen their understanding of language acquisition and literacy development.

The Policy & Data Team in the Office of Multilingual Learners (OML) is responsible for establishing a coherent systemwide process for supporting multilingual learners, program design and implementation in alignment with the expectations set forth in the New York State’s Blueprint for ML/ELL Success.
The Director, Academic Program Policy manages the Policy team, analyzes regulations and legislation, and communicates policy priorities to a variety of audiences. They oversee the development and implementation of NYCPS’ multilingual policy and programmatic priorities. Performs related work.
Reports to: Executive Director, Policy & Data
Direct Reports: N/A
Key Relationships: Executive Director of Strategic planning and team, borough ML/ELL directors, district ELL Compliance Performance Specialists, Office of Academic Policy and Systems Senior Directors, and Division of School Leadership Senior Directors of School Finance.

• Leads the planning, implementation and conduct of major ML/ELL program development, policy research and creation. This includes developing and clarifying academic policies such as bilingual education program regulations, English as a New Language provision, and World Language pathways.
• Leads the tracking and analysis of data about student programs and outcomes and, with the leadership of the Executive Director of Policy & Data, coordinates with the Division of School Leadership to hold the system accountable for those outcomes.
• Manages the escalation and resolution process for ML/ELL academic policy issues that arise from Central and school-based stakeholders.
• Prioritizes data system enhancements to improve the data accuracy of schools in the provision of ELL services and programming and overseeing their lifecycle to ensure on-time delivery to schools.
• Develops and executes processes to ensure data quality, including the system-wide use of custom reports and design of data tests for the purpose of monitoring ML/ELL identification, services and programming.
• Oversees regular audits of academic policies regarding ELL services and program management.
• Serves as key liaison for team performance management, including managing annual goal setting for the team and tracking progress toward meeting goals.