Job Title:                       Special Education Admission, Review, Dismissal (ARD) Facilitator

Reports to:                    Campus Principal / Director of Special Programs

Dept./School:                Assigned Campus

Wage/Hour Status:       Exempt

Pay Grade:                     Teacher Scale plus stipend

Reporting Days:            Teacher calendar plus 10 days (197)

Primary Purpose:

The Special Education ARD Facilitator is responsible for coordination, planning and preparation of compliance documents for students eligible for Special Education services and is responsible for chairing, or co-chairing, and ARD meetings.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s Degree required

Master’s Degree preferred.

Valid Texas teaching certificate with special education endorsement

Minimum of three years teaching experience, including experience teaching disabled and other students with diverse learning needs;

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Experience with eSPED software or other computer based documentation system preferred

Knowledge of all applicable federal, state, local laws, and guidelines and procedures.

Experience in adapting and implementing curriculum to meet individual learning and behavioral needs

Knowledge about instructional materials, technology, and state evaluation methods.

Skill in communicating effectively with others

Skill in working with computer tools, including but not limited to, email, internet, word processing and spreadsheets

Skill in working in collaborative team-based environments

Skill in working with and presenting to diverse populations of students, parents, and community member.

Ability to exercise good judgment in decision making, especially in difficult circumstances

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Special Education

1. Ensure implementation of the process of special education
2. Provide input on Special Education program to administration including information on curriculum, students, staff and overall functioning of the Special Education program at assigned campus.
3. Provides for systematic communication among special and general education personnel.
4. Serve as a consultant to teachers in the identification, evaluation, selection, and application of appropriate activities and materials with regard for objectives to be achieved
5. Provide assistance in the continuity of the instructional program by making organizational arrangements toward the integration of students with special needs into regular classes
6. Promote appropriate staff development in special education
7. Supervised assigned staff under the direction of the campus principal.
8. Ensure IEP goals and standards are being followed including accommodations and modifications.
9. Coordinate with School Counselors and Social Workers to ensure the needs of Special Education students are being met.
10. Coordinate state testing needs for students with disabilities in coordination with Campus Test Coordinator to ensure special education students are tested appropriately.

ARD Process

11. Provides case management of students in Special Education including coordinating and facilitating ARDs.
12. Ensures that federal/state timelines are met with respect to functions of ARD Committee meetings; requests for additional assessments and required timelines set by ARD Committee.
13. Monitors ARD paperwork completed by campus personnel; completes and turns in ARD paperwork to official audit file in a timely manner
14. Completes lists, forms, reports, PEIMS forms, and data required by the Special Education Office by due dates (e.g., transportation forms, EYS forms, October counts, etc).
15. Maintains current state assessment test lists; referral lists, and referrals for related services evaluation; maintains communication among assessment, service providers, and related services personnel.
16. Provides for systematic communication among special and general education personnel (with respect to ARD meetings and decisions, IEPs, accommodations needed in the general education setting, relevant instructional concerns and progress).
17. Completes applicable ARD supplements with accompanying data collected by campus staff (i.e., EYS regression data, all IEPs, BIPs, etc.).
18. Follows end of year procedures for folder exchanges, summer testing, etc.
19. Assists campus administrator(s) to ensure compliance with mandates for due process guaranteed to students with disabilities by state/federal law; ensures compliance with local policies and procedures outlined for this population.
20. Maintains thorough documentation regarding any significant problems with ARD Committee procedures.
21. Schedule and facilitate staff needed for potential problematic ARDs.

Student Growth and Development

22. Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students
23. Support campus extracurricular activities as assigned
24. Be a positive role model for students and support the mission of the school district.
25. Provide direct classroom support for Special Education students as available.

General

26. Demonstrates thoroughness, reliability and a high degree of accuracy in performing work assignments.
27. Works cooperatively with others and maintains a positive attitude in the work environment.
28. Demonstrates initiative and good judgment in problem solving and decision-making.
29. Reports promptly and maintains good attendance.
30. Uses time productively on the job.
31. Follows district policies, rules and regulations.
32. Accepts supervisory direction.
33. Must be able to perform the essential functions of walking and interacting with students and/or district employees in the specific work site assigned (classroom or office setting).
34. Demonstrates tact, courtesy and helpfulness in dealing with staff, students, parents, and visitors in the district.
35. Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district.
36. Maintain a professional relationship with supervisors, colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
37. Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
38. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills including assigned areas aligned to student needs, disabilities, IDEA, state special education and district guidelines.
39. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
40. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
41. Maintain confidentiality.
42. Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment. May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non-ambulatory students. Exposure to biological hazards.  May be required to work more than 40 hours during the work week.

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The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.