ARD Specialist 2025-2026

Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District•Cypress, TX

About The Position

PRIMARY PURPOSE: The ARD Specialist is responsible for coordination, planning, and preparation for ARD meetings and completion of ARD documentation for students eligible for special education services to maintain compliance with federal and state regulations, local board policy, and special education operating procedures. QUALIFICATIONS: Education/Certification: Valid teaching certificate Minimum 3 years teaching experience, including teaching students with disabilities Experience with computer-based documentation systems Master’s degree preferred Special Knowledge/Skills: Knowledge of ARD procedures, special education programming, curriculum requirements, state assessment, transition, graduation requirements and legal requirements of IDEA and the Texas Education Code Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills Ability to manage conflict and maintain a student-centered focus Proficiency in Microsoft office products and Google products Ability to communicate effectively and professionally (verbal and written) TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Probationary/Term Contract: 193 days SALARY: Pay Grade T60 (Teacher Classification) as approved by the Board of Trustees https://www.cfisd.net/Page/5694 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Attendance Regular and reliable attendance is an essential job function Major Responsibilities and Duties: Identifies the need for and collaborates with support staff to schedule ARDs within district, state and federal requirements Monitors initial referral timelines and re-evaluation due dates to ensure timelines are met for ARD meetings Reviews records of transfer students to ensure students are provided a FAPE upon enrollment and prepares for 30-day annual ARD meeting Conducts all ARDs and staffings as required and within required timelines set forth in federal and state law, district policy and local operating procedures Collaborates with campus administration and parents to ensure ARDs are scheduled at mutually agreeable times/days and ensures all required members are invited to and attend to ensure properly constituted ARD meetings (including agency representation when appropriate) Ensures appropriate parental notification of ARD meetings following federal and state law, local policies and procedures Ensures all required documentation is completed accurately and distributed to parents and staff members Promotes a positive, collaborative environment for ARD meetings Effectively communicates with colleagues, parents, and students Ensures confidentiality of information regarding students receiving special education services by abiding by and informing others of the FERPA requirements Exhibits good judgment in decision making and problem solving Attends required staff meetings and ARD Specialist meetings Attends professional development opportunities as determined by need and as assigned by supervisors Performs other duties as assigned Other Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers. Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers. Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Tools/Equipment Used : Personal computer and peripherals, and other instructional equipment Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting Motion: Frequent walking Lifting: May require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist non-ambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive and other classroom equipment; may work prolonged or irregular hours Environment: Exposure to biological hazards. Work inside, may work outside; regular exposure to noise Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours APPLICATION INFORMATION: Applications will be reviewed. Not all applicants will be interviewed. Hiring Managers may choose to email you regarding this application. Please monitor your email regularly for any communication. BECOME A TEACHER IN TEXAS: https://www.cfisd.net/Page/1774

Requirements

Valid teaching certificate
Minimum 3 years teaching experience, including teaching students with disabilities
Experience with computer-based documentation systems
Knowledge of ARD procedures, special education programming, curriculum requirements, state assessment, transition, graduation requirements and legal requirements of IDEA and the Texas Education Code
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to manage conflict and maintain a student-centered focus
Proficiency in Microsoft office products and Google products
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally (verbal and written)
Regular and reliable attendance is an essential job function

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

Identifies the need for and collaborates with support staff to schedule ARDs within district, state and federal requirements
Monitors initial referral timelines and re-evaluation due dates to ensure timelines are met for ARD meetings
Reviews records of transfer students to ensure students are provided a FAPE upon enrollment and prepares for 30-day annual ARD meeting
Conducts all ARDs and staffings as required and within required timelines set forth in federal and state law, district policy and local operating procedures
Collaborates with campus administration and parents to ensure ARDs are scheduled at mutually agreeable times/days and ensures all required members are invited to and attend to ensure properly constituted ARD meetings (including agency representation when appropriate)
Ensures appropriate parental notification of ARD meetings following federal and state law, local policies and procedures
Ensures all required documentation is completed accurately and distributed to parents and staff members
Promotes a positive, collaborative environment for ARD meetings
Effectively communicates with colleagues, parents, and students
Ensures confidentiality of information regarding students receiving special education services by abiding by and informing others of the FERPA requirements
Exhibits good judgment in decision making and problem solving
Attends required staff meetings and ARD Specialist meetings
Attends professional development opportunities as determined by need and as assigned by supervisors
Performs other duties as assigned
Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues.
Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.