Educational Diagnostician (24-25 SY) - Special Education

Irving, TX

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Educational Diagnostician is responsible for managing cases concerning the evaluation of students referred for special education services. This includes maintaining student special education records, reevaluating eligible special education students according to state, federal laws, and local procedures and guidelines. The role involves collaboration with teachers, parents, and other school personnel to develop and support the implementation of individualized programs that promote student achievement for students identified with a disability. The diagnostician supports students in mastering grade level course standards by analyzing data from state assessments, curriculum-based assessments, and classroom information, and assists school staff with the effective implementation of the students' individualized education plans.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional recommendations based on data from a student's full individual educational evaluation.
• Provide evidence-based interventions for academic settings.
• Consult/collaborate with campus educational teams to meet individual student's educational needs.
• Receive student referrals and implement the evaluation and ARD processes within prescribed timelines.
• Select and administer formal and informal evaluation instruments regarding student eligibility for special education services according to federal and TEA regulations.
• Collect and organize relevant evaluation data from parents, teachers, school support staff, and relevant outside resource people.
• Organize, participate, and distribute information as a member of the multidisciplinary team as appropriate.
• Participate in Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee meetings, interpreting test data and assisting the committee in following District procedures and all laws and regulations.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports and documents as required within specified timelines.
• Maintain an efficient office operation.
• Encourage and support the development, implementation, and maintenance of specially designed instruction for students with disabilities.
• Collaborate with school district staff in scheduling instructional classes, supplemental aids, and services to enhance student achievement.
• Communicate and interpret the philosophy of the district's general education and special education programs effectively with parents, school personnel, and the community.
• Assist in the coordination of procedures for student evaluation and the Admission, Review and Dismissal process.
• Relate to staff, students, and parents in ways that convey equality, mutual respect, and concern.
• Demonstrate skill in conflict resolution with administrators, parents, staff, teachers, and/or the community.
• Conduct classroom observations and parent interviews.
• Assist classroom teachers with the implementation of the IEP.
• Stay current regarding research-based instructional practices.
• Facilitate the placement and success of students in the least restrictive environment.
• Provide staff development to assist school personnel in the identification, understanding, and teaching of students with disabilities.
• Provide assistance in special education programming for campus level personnel.
• Work cooperatively with others in attaining district and special education program goals and objectives.
• Monitor student records to ensure ARD recommendations are being followed.
• Collaborate in the decision-making process at the campus and central office level to foster teaching and learning improvement.
• Maintain student management systems.
• Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
• Attend evaluation/assessment related professional development opportunities.
• Actively participate on campus and district committees when requested.
• Maintain a professional and ethical manner as outlined in the Standards of Conduct for the Profession.
• Act as an effective liaison among staff, parents, and community.

Requirements

• Master's Degree.
• Valid Teacher Certification.
• Certification as Educational Diagnostician or Licensed Specialists in School Psychology.
• Licensure by the Texas State Board of Examiners or Psychologist as a psychologist or certification as a psychological associate.
• Certification by the National Association of School Psychologists as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.
• Knowledge in the administration and interpretation of tests used to assess intellectual development, academic achievement, functional skills, and learning style.
• Knowledge of federal and state rules governing the education of students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of researched-based best practices for providing specially designed instruction for students with disabilities.
• Ability to case manage and collaborate in the best interest of students.
• Ability to communicate technical evaluation information to parents and teachers.

Benefits

• Eligible for a Chapter 21 contract.