Special Education Coordinator - High School

General Description: TheSpecial Education Coordinator is responsible for all aspects of the special education IEP Team process, including meeting facilitation, Individualized Education Program (IEP) development and implementation, and progress monitoring to ensure that students with disabilities receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education in accordance with IDEA and 603 CMR 28.00. In conjunction with the Principals and Director of Special Education, the Coordinator provides building leadership, guidance and coaching for special education team members, and coordinates and monitors implementation of all department policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory timelines and mandates. The Coordinator works collaboratively with others to further the implementation of inclusionary practices in all grades.Key Responsibilities: Oversees the referral process, Team Meeting process, and adherence to Individual Education Programs (IEP) based on eligibility guidelines and in accordance with Federal and State requirements and is responsible for seeing that all timelines are met and all required paperwork is completed.Ensures that the special education process from eligibility to IEP to implementation is administered with equity and excellence for all, ensuring that students from diverse linguistic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds are not systematically referred to special education and are neither over-nor-underrepresented in special education.Models the use of data to make informed decisions regarding eligibility, services, and programming.Facilitates and chairs IEP meetings for all initial evaluations and other meetings as needed, and serves as the chairperson of the teams to ensure the implementation of Special Education regulations and mandates.Coordinates IEP progress report development and timelines, ensuring that progress reports are provided to families in a timely fashion and that appropriate steps are taken by IEP teams when students do not make progress on IEP goals.Understands and implements federal, state, and local laws, policies, regulations, and procedures and protocols including the implications of liability and requirements of due process.Coordinates and implements departmental policies, procedures, and practices with respect to special education.Provides outreach and facilitates communication and working relationships with parents, outside agencies and community support resources to parents of students involved in the special education process.Understands him/her self as an integral member of the building and district educational leadership team that effectively communicates to staff, parents, students, and community members a systemic approach that models teamwork, encourages collegiality, and supports collaboration.In conjunction with building administration, supervises and evaluates all special education staff as required.Works in collaboration with the building leaders and Special Education Director in the recruitment, screening, and hiring of all elementary special education and related service staff members.Provides instructional coaching and mentoring to special education teachers and related service providers.Provides building leadership on behalf of special education and students with disabilities.Assists with the coordination of service delivery between special education teachers, instructional assistants and related services providers at the building.Contributes to the development and implementation of department specific professional development.Meets with building-based special education teams on a regular basis.Meets with building administration on a regular basis.Researches and shares best practices for educational interventions, accommodations and modifications to meet the individual needs of students.