Director of Special Education

Primary Purpose

Direct and manage the district’s special education program. Ensure that services are provided for students with special needs and individualized education plans are provided to meet the needs of all students.

Warrant compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements.

Qualifications :

Education / Certification :

• Master’s degree in education or a related field required
• Valid Principal, Mid-Management or Supervision Certification required

Special Knowledge / Skills / Abilities :

• Knowledge of federal and state special education laws and regulations
• Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students
• Knowledge of specially designed instruction
• Able to communicate effectively with staff, students and parents
• Able to interpret data
• Able to manage budget and personnel
• Able to implement policy and procedures
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience :

Ten years supervisory or leadership experience in Special Education

Major Responsibilities and Duties :

Instructional and Program Management

Oversee the development and delivery of special education curriculum and instructional programs that incorporate district goals and support student achievement.

Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.

• Oversee the development and delivery of Dyslexia services.
• Oversee the development and delivery of Section services to ensure implementation and compliance.
• Oversee the development and delivery of Multitiered System of Support (MTSS). Collaborate with Curriculum and Instruction on best practices, resources and implementation.
• Develop and implement an effective special education referral process and ensure that student assessments and recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students are completed in a timely manner.
• Monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process districtwide and provide assistance to campus and central special education leaders in the staffing of cases prior to placement for follow-up and on-going evaluation of students as may be requested.

Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis.

Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness.

Make changes when warranted.

• Analyze and recommend appropriate staffing for special education services
• Ensure that the necessary time, resources, materials, and technology to support accomplish educational goals are available.

Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs.

• Direct transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.
• Take an active role in the formulating and implementing contracts for special education students receiving services outside of the district.
• Recommend, develop and deliver staff development activities for district personnel regarding concepts, services, and technologies related to optimal educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
• Participate in meetings, conferences, and workshops related to the special education administration.
• Initiate, direct, and conduct research relative to the special education services of the district.
• Provide leadership in the formulation and implementation of contracts for students with disabilities receiving services outside of the district.

Student Management

Demonstrate support for the district’s student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education program.

Policy, Reports, and Law

Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of special education.

Recommend sound policies and procedures to improve program.

• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
• Prepare appropriate statistical reports which project staffing and service needs and an annual program review. Recommend long-range planning strategies to include adjustments in supportive and instructional staff as may be deemed necessary.
• Recommend necessary revisions of Board policy, district administrative regulations, and / or laws or guidelines of the state of Texas related to appropriate services for students with disabilities.
• Perform duties of the Special Education Records Confidentiality Officer as designated by the superintendent.

Budget and Inventory

• Prepare and submit an annual budget designed to reflect the projected programmatic and fiscal needs of the district for the subsequent year and administer such funds as may be allocated to the Special Education Services Department by the Board of Trustees.
• Ensure that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely.
• Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.

Personnel Management

• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
• Assist building principals in the selection and evaluation of special education instructional staff as requested.
• Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in special education departments.

Communication and Community Relations

• Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with principals, teachers, staff, parents, and community members.
• Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notify parents and students of available services.
• Maintain continuous communication with the department by conducting meetings, systemically.
• Participate in meetings with the Instructional Department as scheduled.
• Encourage and maintain close working relationships with parents / guardians of students with disabilities through participation in parent organizations, conferences, meetings or workshops.

Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.

Articulate the district’s mission and goals in the area of special education to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.

Other

• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Maintain an appropriate level of technology competence to meet the current and future needs of Alief.
• Implement alternative methods of instruction as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervise, evaluate, and recommend the hiring and termination of special education staff.

Evaluation

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of Professional Supervisor Personnel.

Mental Demands / Physical Demands / Environmental Factors :

Tools / Equipment Used : Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals

Posture : Standing, prolonged sitting, occasional kneeling / squatting, bending / stooping, pushing pulling, and twisting

Motion : Repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching; may also require climbing stairs and reaching over head

Lifting : Moderate lifting and carrying (up to 15 pounds); May require occasional heavy lifting and carrying (15-45 pounds)

Environment : May work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent district wide travel; all campuses are temperature controlled with hard surface floors

Mental Demands : Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Hiring administrators review applications, interview, and recommend for hire.

Pay Grade P07

Days

Salary Schedule Min-$, Mid-$, Max-$, (Based on previous experience)

• Salary Schedule is pending board approval
9 hours ago