Assistant Director of Special Education - Federal and State Compliance

Frisco ISD•Frisco, TX

About The Position

To provide leadership for department compliance with federal and state special education regulations for students with disabilities. Manage and monitor special education data for continuous improvement, maintain operating procedures, and work collaboratively with department staff, state and regional agencies, legal affairs, and District leadership.

Requirements

Master’s degree
Valid Texas teacher’s certificate in special education or license in a related field (SP, SLP, OT, PT, etc.)
Knowledge of best practices and requirements for special education compliance related to IDEA and TEA
Knowledge of best practices for special education data reporting
Knowledge of legal requirements related to special education programming
Knowledge of writing and formatting department procedures and practices
Ability to interpret policy and procedures
Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of special education programs and services for continuous improvement and liability mitigation
Ability to resolve conflict and effectively manage complex situations
Ability to manage budget and personnel
Ability to coordinate District functions
Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills
Minimum of 3 years of successful experience as a teacher or licensed professional in special education or related field
Minimum of 3 years of experience in an educational leadership role

Nice To Haves

Valid Texas certificate in Supervision, Administration, and/or mid-Management Administration preferred

Responsibilities

Plan and evaluate the quality of special education evaluations and services.
Direct special education recommendations to ensure effective outcomes for students.
Monitor student achievement and special education program data and interpret, report, and act on results.
Plan, organize and implement evaluation components to determine the quality and effectiveness of special education services.
Support the determination and ensure the provision of compensatory services when required.
Ensure that specialized assessment and evaluation renewals are continuous and responsive to student needs.
Inform staff and provide direction regarding policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy for special education services.
Develop effective systems to maintain compliance with state performance plan indicators.
Lead the department’s effort to establish effective operating procedures and quality assurance audits.
Collaborate with District leaders to ensure proper implementation of IDEA child find and FAPE requirements.
Manage the special education data management system and collaborate with the technology department to ensure appropriate user access to protect the confidentiality of student records.
Collaborate with the student information system department to ensure accurate reporting to the Texas Education Agency regarding the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS).
Guide professional staff on the implementation of special education services.
Implement and monitor any required corrective action.
Promote and monitor appropriate integration of technology into the special education instructional programs.
Accurately maintain student and staff records by implementing procedures consistent with District, state, and federal rules and regulations.
Act as a resource for ARD/IEP meetings and legal proceedings to ensure appropriate evaluation and individual education programs for students according to District procedures.
Compile budget and cost estimates based on documented program needs.
Assist in the preparation and administration of assigned area budgets.
Ensure that programs are cost-effective, and funds are managed prudently.
Follow district guidelines regarding the execution of contracts with third-party vendors.
Ensure that inventories are maintained and are current.
Assist in making recommendations regarding special education staffing needs for the department.
Articulate the District’s mission, special education philosophy, and rationale to the community and solicit support in improving student outcomes.
Utilize effective verbal and written communication regarding program goals and support.
Work to develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with parents and guardians, campus administrators, district administrators, department staff, and other stakeholders.
Demonstrate conflict resolution skills with administrators, parents, teachers, staff, and the community.
Seek feedback from stakeholders as part of continuous improvement efforts.
Maintain current knowledge of special education laws, best practices, and trends.
Assist in preparing and providing meaningful professional learning opportunities for District and campus administrators, general and special education staff, parents, and/or the community to enhance their knowledge and understanding of special education.
Seek opportunities for personal growth that support the position and duties and reflect a growth mindset.
Guide and support the special education department in the delivery of professional development.
Monitor professional research and disseminate ideas and information to other professional staff members.
Assist in the supervision and evaluation of special education coordinators and assigned staff.
Evaluate job performance of staff to ensure effectiveness.
Conference regularly with assigned staff to discuss performance; jointly develop improvement objectives to identify professional growth opportunities.
Engage in personnel recruitment, selection, and training and make informed recommendations relative to personnel placement, assignment, and retention.
Plan for and provide the necessary time, resources, and materials to support department staff in accomplishing professional goals.
Prepare and review job descriptions for special education staff.
Schedule and facilitate special education department meetings.
Other Duties as Assigned