Director of Student Accountability - Arkansas Connections Academy

School Summary 

Arkansas Connections Academy (ARCA) is a tuition-free, virtual public charter school serving students in grades K-12 statewide. ARCA is authorized by the Arkansas Charter Authorizing Panel and the State Board of Education and is governed by an independent Board of Directors. The school contracts with Connections Education to provide its educational program and other services. ARCA is accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, the Northwest Accreditation Commission, and the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), which are accrediting divisions of Cognia.

Arkansas Connections Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Position Summary and Responsibilities

Working remotely from your home office, the Director of Student Accountability is a senior leader responsible for overseeing the integrity and effectiveness of student performance monitoring across virtual learning environments. This position oversees all aspects of student assessment, state and internal testing, data reporting, and accountability metrics. The Director serves as a key liaison between the school, Arkansas Department of Education, and internal leadership, ensuring all required testing and reporting are executed with accuracy and fidelity. A key focus of this position is the strategic planning, implementation, and oversight of all state testing requirements, ensuring a smooth, compliant, and effective testing experience for students and staff across all applicable programs.

The job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all state-mandated assessments including state interim and summative exams, ACT, ELPA, DLM, K-3 Universal Screener, and other compliance testing.
• Ensure 100% compliance with test administration protocols, scheduling, training, documentation, and secure handling of materials.
• Collaborate with state partners to support smooth delivery and accurate data reporting.
• Monitor participation rates and take proactive steps to meet or exceed all state-required thresholds.
• Analyze test performance data and integrate findings into school improvement plans.
• Ensure alignment with federal, state, and accreditor policies.
• Manage timely, accurate submission of reports to authorizers, the state department of education, and internal stakeholders.
• Support in annual reviews of school handbooks, policy guides, and procedures for testing and academic compliance.
• Collaborate with school leaders to develop and implement actionable goals that support school growth, academic integrity, and continuous improvement.
• Develop procedures and support structures aligned with district, state, and federal accountability frameworks.
• Contribute to strategic planning at the school and organizational level.
• Promote a culture of high expectations and staff morale through clear communication, coaching, and collaboration.
• Provide training and support to staff on testing data and procedures.
• Supervise staff through bi-weekly check-ins, providing feedback, and ensuring performance targets are met.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field preferred
• Required Licensure: Arkansas Teaching or Administrative License
• 3–5 years of proven leadership experience in K–12 education
• Prior experience managing state testing and accountability systems
• Virtual school leadership experience highly desirable
• Demonstrated ability to lead school improvement based on data-driven insights
• Supervisory or team leadership experience strongly preferred
• Willingness to travel for school events and state testing (includes occasional overnight travel)
• Ability to work some evening hours to support families and students

Skills & Competencies

• Deep understanding of K–12 testing protocols, federal/state accountability measures, and compliance requirements
• Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills
• Technologically proficient and comfortable with student information systems, data platforms, and virtual collaboration tools
• Innovative, adaptable, and a team player
• Results-focused, with a track record of driving student achievement
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed