Executive Director of Special Education

Joshua Independent School District (TX)•Joshua, TX

33d•$95,598

About The Position

Direct and manage the district's special education program to ensure provision of needed services for special needs students. Provide leadership to ensure high standards of instructional service. Oversee compliance with district policies, success of instructional programs, and operations for special education. Work to provide individualized education plans to meet the needs of all students and ensure compliance with all state, federal and local requirements.

Requirements

Master's degree
Valid Texas Teaching Certificate
Valid Texas Mid-Management/Principal Certificate
Certified Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) appraiser
Knowledge of federal and state special education law and requirements
Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students
Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parents
Ability to interpret data
Ability to interpret federal, state, and local policy as well as develop defined procedures and maintain accurate data sources.
Knowledge of curriculum design and implementation
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to manage budget and personnel
Five years teaching experience in special education preferred
Five years experience in instructional leadership roles

Responsibilities

Direct and manage special education services to meet students' needs.
Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis, and the findings are used to make special education programs more effective.
Ensure the use of technology in the teaching-learning process.
Plan the necessary time, resources, and materials to support education goals.
Provide effective staff development for special education to all staff.
Manage the special education referral process: arrange for student assessments, make recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students.
Supervise and monitor the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process district wide.
Supervise and monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process and district SPED programs.
Supervise transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.
Provide leadership in the formulation and implementation of contracts for special education students receiving service outside of the district.
Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness.
Serve as a resource person in the design and equipping of facilities for students in special programs.
Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
Coordinate collection of data and training of personnel for SHARS.
Inform supervisors of the effects of current and impending legislation.
Demonstrate support for the district's student management policies and expected student behavior related to the special education program.
Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, and teachers concerning vital issues.
Work closely with all staff in creating an open, cooperative atmosphere for effective communication.
Communicate effectively with the community, parents, staff, and students.
Provide resources and materials to support staff in accomplishing program goals.
Consult with parents, administrators, counselors, teachers, community agencies, and other relevant individuals regarding special education.
Evaluate all federal legislation, projects, and programs for grant, entitlement, and allocation opportunities relevant to the needs of the district. (Special Education Consolidated Grant)
Participate in the drafting of project proposals and reports, including the writing and development of program goals and objectives for federal/state funding of programs. (Special Education Consolidated Grant)
Prepare and submit standard applications for federal funds to the Texas Education Agency. (Special Education Consolidated Grant)
Evaluate all requests for projects and programs requiring federal money. (Special Education Consolidated Grant)
Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the federal/state programs and implement change based on findings. (Special Education Consolidated Grant)
Serve as liaison between school and other agencies on joint projects that are federally funded. (Special Education Consolidated Grant)
Consult with administrators, counselors, teachers, community agencies, and other relevant individuals regarding federal/state programs. (Title III, Part A, Special Education Consolidated Grant)
Monitor grant-funded programs and their expenditures to ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines. (Special Education Consolidated Grant)
Prioritize tasks and meet all deadlines for preparation and submission of grant applications and grant-related reports. (Special Education Consolidated Grant)
Review guidelines for eligibility requirements, disseminate information, and explain grant restrictions, regulations, priorities, and deadlines to administrators and staff. (Special Education Consolidated Grant)
Ensure that programs are cost effective and that federal/state programs are managed wisely. (Special Education Consolidated Grant)
Compile, maintain, file and secure all physical and electronic reports, records, and other required documents. (Special Education Consolidated Grant)
Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rules and the local board policy. (Special Education Consolidated Grant)
Participate in Region XI training on Federal Programs.
Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rules and local board policy in the areas of special education.
Prepare reports and assist the superintendent and principals in evaluation of the effectiveness of school instructional programs.
Compile, maintain, and present all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
Manage and monitor special education compliance for Results Driven Accountability. Prepare and submit all required documentation to the Texas Education Agency.
Administer the special education budget and ensure that programs are cost effective and funds are managed prudently.
Compile budgets and cost estimates based on documented program needs.
Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.
Conduct periodic evaluations of all instructional programs and operations to determine improvements needed to reach goals of district and campus improvement plans.
Use a collaborative decision-making problem-solving process when appropriate.
Promote continuous improvement goal-oriented performance and support the achievement of district performance objectives based on the state/federal accountability system.
Participate in development of the district improvement plans with staff, parents, and community members.
Help develop, maintain, and use information systems to maintain and track progress on district performance objectives and academic excellence indicators.
Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions for special education.
Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operations in the special education area.
Evaluate job performance of special education staff to ensure effectiveness by conducting frequent walkthroughs.
Assist with recruitment, selection, second interviews and training of personnel and make sound recommendations relative to personnel placement, assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notify parents and students of available services.
Participate in professional organizations and serve on community boards.
Articulate the district's mission and goals in the area of special services to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.
Articulate the district's mission, instructional philosophy, and curriculum implementation strategies to the community and solicit its support in realizing the district's mission.
Supervise and evaluate the performance of the Special Education Department.