Specialist, Special Education

Los Angeles Unified School District

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Executive Director, Special Education, or their administrative designee, the Specialist, Special Education provides supervision and evaluation of Assistant Principal, Elementary Instructional Specialist (APEIS) staff. The role involves coaching and professional development for APEISes and leadership staff at secondary schools, focusing on special education legal mandates, substantial compliance, and effective research-based practices to ensure student success in both classroom instruction and school-wide behavior. This position supports region special education staff in implementing District policy, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and all other special education legal mandates. It also includes coaching and advisement to region leadership staff in monitoring and compliance with special education compliance indicators, and assisting in the development of professional development regarding instructional, operational, and compliance support for students with disabilities. The specialist supports region-wide efforts to increase inclusive practices and use of Specially Designed Instruction at schools through professional development, on-site coaching, planning, and assisting with the development of school-wide systems. Furthermore, the role involves analyzing data in collaboration with region leadership staff to address disproportionality factors related to special education, providing support to successfully transition students with moderate/severe disabilities to less restrictive environments, and serving as a resource for school leadership in developing plans for meeting the instructional needs of students with disabilities. The specialist develops and provides staff training focusing on effective research-based practices, coaches personnel in effectively working with students with disabilities, and guides the preparation for and development of effective Individualized Education Programs (IEP) for students with disabilities, including compliance with timelines, service tracking, and provision of services. Other duties may be assigned, and during critical personnel shortages or emergency situations, the incumbent may temporarily perform any duties within the authorization of their registered credentials.

Requirements

Permanent certificated employee of the Los Angeles Unified School District
At least two (2) years of successful, full-time experience as an Assistant Principal, Elementary Instructional Specialist (APEIS) or assistant principal OR experience as a successful, full-time public school-based principal
At least three (3) years of experience working with students with disabilities in either certificated or administrative capacity or a combination of the two
A valid California Administrative Services Credential
An earned master’s degree or advanced degree of at least equivalent standard conferred by a regionally-accredited college or university
Completion of required Multicultural Education and Master Plan coursework (Applicants have one year to complete this requirement)

Nice To Haves

Experience using data to design and implement instructional and behavioral plans for individual students and groups of students
Experience developing, establishing, and supporting substantial compliance systems at school sites
Experience presenting to large and small groups
Experience implementing effective research-based practices working with students with disabilities
Knowledge of instructional methodologies and effective research-based strategies to promote achievement for diverse learners
Knowledge of and the ability to plan, design, and implement differentiated professional development
Knowledge of and experience with Welligent and MISIS, Whole Child, Parent Portal, and other District reporting and tracking systems
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to work effectively with all racial, ethnic, linguistic, disability, and socioeconomic groups
Ability to travel to other sites and locations throughout the District

Responsibilities

Provides supervision and evaluation of Assistant Principal, Elementary Instructional Specialist (APEIS) staff
Provides coaching and professional development to APEISes and leadership staff responsible for special education services at secondary schools, including special education legal mandates, substantial compliance, and effective research-based practices to ensure student success in both classroom instruction and school-wide behavior
Assists region special education staff and the region with oversight of implementation of District policy related to special education supports and services
Supports the region with the implementation of and compliance with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and all other special education legal mandates
Provides coaching and advisement to region leadership staff in monitoring and compliance with special education compliance indicators
Assists in providing coaching and support to region leadership staff in development of professional development regarding instructional, operational, and compliance support for students with disabilities
Supports region-wide efforts to increase inclusive practices and use of Specially Designed Instruction at schools through professional development, on-site coaching, planning, and assisting with the development of school wide systems
Analyzes data in collaboration with region leadership staff to appropriately address disproportionality factors related to special education, including high referral rates among particular student populations and disability categories (e.g., ELs with SLD, African American students as ED, etc.) and high suspension rates of students with disabilities
Provides support to successfully transition students with moderate/severe disabilities to less restrictive environments
Serves as a resource and support for community of school leadership and teams in developing plans for meeting the instructional needs of students with disabilities
Develops and provides staff training focusing on effective research-based practices to ensure student success
Provides coaching and uses other support strategies to assist personnel in effectively working with students with disabilities
Guides the preparation for, and development of, effective Individualized Education Programs (IEP) for students with disabilities including compliance with timelines, service tracking, and provision of services
Performs other duties as assigned
During periods of critical personnel shortage or other emergency situation, shall temporarily perform any duties, as directed, within the authorization of any credentials held by the incumbent that are registered with the Office of the Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools