Primary Purpose

Direct the district’s special services programs to ensure provision of required services for students with disabilities; work to provide individualized education plans to meet the needs of all students and ensure compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements.

Qualifications

Education/Certification/Licensure

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university

Valid Texas teaching certificate with special education endorsement

Valid Texas mid-management/principal or other appropriate certification

Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) appraiser certification

Special Knowledge/Skills

Effective communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills

Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data

Ability to manage budget and personnel

Ability to coordinate district function

Strong organizational skills

Understanding of the individual needs of students with disabilities

Ability to communicate with all levels of students with disabilities and their parents

Experience

Minimum of 3 years teaching experience in special education

Minimum of 3 years district level leadership

Major Responsibilities and Duties

1. Direct and manage special services programs to meet students’ needs.
2. Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis, and that the findings are used to make special education program more effective.
3. Ensure the use of adaptive technology as appropriate.
4. Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs, helping teachers to pilot such efforts when appropriate.
5. Plan the necessary time, resources, and materials to support subordinates in accomplishing educational goals.
6. Design the special education referral process; make recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students.
7. Supervise and monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process district-wide.
8. Participate in committee meetings to ensure the appropriate placement and development of individual education plans for students according to district procedures.
9. Supervise transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs
10. Provide leadership in the formulation and implementation of contracts for special education students receiving services outside of the district.
11. Obtain and use evaluative findings, including student achievement data, to gauge special education program effectiveness.
12. Serve as resource person in the design and equipping of facilities for students with disabilities.
13. Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
14. Demonstrate support for district’s student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education program.
15. Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, administrators, and teachers concerning vital issues.
16. Recommend sound policies to improve programs.
17. Implement the policies established by federal and state law State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of special education.
18. Compile and maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
19. Administer the special education department budget and ensure that programs are cost effective and funds are managed prudently.
20. Compile budgets and cost estimates based on documented program needs.
21. Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.
22. Approved and forward purchase orders for special education department to accounting department.
23. Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in special education department.
24. Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operations in the special education area.
25. Evaluate job performance of employees to ensure effectiveness.
26. Participate in the recruitment, selection, and training of personnel and make sound recommendations relative to personnel placement, assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
27. Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notify parents and students of available services.
28. Participate in professional organizations and serve on community boards.
29. Articulate the district’s mission and goals in the area of special education in the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
30. Implement the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee.
31. Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
32. Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.
33. Evaluate the effectiveness of the Dyslexia/504 program at the district level.
34. Recommend and monitor a budget for the Dyslexia/504 program.
35. Supervise and support role of the coordinator of the Dyslexia/504 program.
36. Conduct the annual performance appraisal and evaluation for the Dyslexia/504 coordinator.
37. Supervise the performance of administrative special services staff
38. Assist principals in the supervision and evaluation of the performance of special education teachers, aides, and support staff.
39. Manage and utilize data effectively for systemic process and program analysis.
40. Account for the accuracy and verification of all student program data and reports.
41. Implement data-driven decision making for improvement efforts based on best practices.
42. Manage and utilize policy effectively for maintaining system processes and practices.
43. Account for the verification of the correct policy regarding all decisions and correspondence.
44. Implement effective policy-driven decision making.
45. Exhibit CCISD Core Values of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
46. Stay up-to-date professionally through the selection of quality professional learning opportunities for personal growth.
47. Research district policy, precedent, and current practices prior to taking action.
48. Participate as an effective team member who contributes to district, department, and content goals.
49. Demonstrates proficient levels of technology applications.
50. Participates fully in drills and safety exercises to provide for the safety and overall emotional wellbeing of students.
51. Utilize time wisely for effective management of job responsibilities.
52. Maintain punctuality in daily work times, appointments, and meetings.
53. Meet task completion deadlines established by supervisor.
54. Maintain friendly customer-service-driven interactions with all stakeholders, students, teachers, administrators, and co-workers.
55. Work cooperatively with co-workers and supervisors to ensure that the goals of the school/department are met.
56. Maintain a positive and professional tone in all communication (i.e. email, written, and verbal).
57. Perform other duties and accept other responsibilities as assigned.

Working Conditions       

Mental Demands

Effective communication; ability to maintain emotional control under stress

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

Frequent district-wide and occasional state-wide travel; prolonged sitting and use of computer; repetitive hand motions; occasional prolonged and irregular hours