ARD Facilitator / Educational Diagnostician

JOB GOAL: The ARD facilitator is responsible for coordination, planning and preparation of compliance documents for students eligible for Special Education services. The ARD Facilitator is responsible for chairing, or co-chairing, ARD meetings, and serves more than one campus.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Salary: In accordance with the annual salary schedule approved by the Management Board of the Freestone-Navarro Bi-County Coop.

11 months/202 days per year, term or probationary contract, as applicable.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Certification/Education:

Education/Certification:

Valid Texas Special Education teaching certificate

Enrolled in Master's Degree / Diagnostician Certification Program

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Effective and positive communication and interpersonal skills

Knowledge of special education rules and regulations

Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data Superior organizational skills

Ability to adjust to change in a positive manner

Experience in adapting and implementing curriculum to meet individual learning and behavioral needs.

Knowledge about instructional materials, technology, and state evaluation methods.

Skill in communicating effectively with others.

Skill in working with computer tools, including but not limited to, email, internet, word processing and spreadsheets.

Skill in working in collaborative team-based environments.

Skill in working with and presenting to diverse populations of students, parents, and community members.

Ability to exercise good judgment in decision making, especially in difficult circumstances.

Experience:

Minimum of four years teaching experience

Experience with Special Education Manager, or other computer based documentation system preferred.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Schedules, or assists in scheduling, Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings and notifies parents of the ARD meeting, including distribution of ARD calendar to appropriate ARD Committee members in a timely fashion; ensures that ITP elements are completed in applicable cases; notifies all appropriate school personnel of ARD meetings/ARD schedule changes.

• Ensures that federal/state timelines are met with respect to functions of ARD Committee meetings; requests for additional assessments and required timelines set by ARD Committee.
• Monitors ARD paperwork completed by campus personnel; completes and turns in ARD paperwork to official audit file within 72 hours of the meeting; turns in PEIMS information to campus registrar within 48 hours of the ARD meeting.
• Completes lists, forms, reports, PEIMS forms, and data required by the Special Education Office by due dates (e.g., transportation forms, EYS forms, October counts, etc)
• Maintains current state assessment test lists; referral lists, and referrals for related services evaluation; maintains communication among assessment, service providers, and relate services personnel.
• Provides for systematic communication among special and general education personnel (with respect to ARD meetings and decisions, IEPs, accommodations needed in the general education setting, relevant instructional concerns and progress).
• Completes applicable ARD supplements with accompanying data collected by campus staff (i.e., EYS regression data, all IEPs, BIPs, etc.).
• Follows end of year procedures for folder exchanges, summer testing, etc.
• Assists campus administrator(s) to ensure compliance with mandates for due process guaranteed to students with disabilities by state/federal law; ensures compliance with local policies and procedures outlined for this population.
• Maintains thorough documentation regarding any significant problems with ARD Committee procedures; attends Special Education Department staff meetings; attends relevant professional development.
• Coordinate with testing diagnostician regarding special education student needs.
• Maintain special education student folders.
• Adhere to federal, state and local special education requirements, especially in the areas of annual ARDs and all evaluations.
• Stay up-to-date professionally through the selection of quality staff development opportunities for personal growth
• Research district policy, precedent, and current practices prior to taking actions.
• Demonstrate integrity and ethics.
• Display proficient levels of technology applications.
• Utilize time wisely for effective management of job responsibilities.
• Maintain punctuality in daily work times, appointments, and meetings.
• Meet task completion deadlines established by supervisor.
• Maintain friendly customer-driven interactions with all stakeholders, students, teachers, administrators, and co-workers.
• Work cooperatively with co-workers and supervisors to ensure that the goals of the school/department/coop are met.
• Maintain a positive and professional tone in all communication (i.e. email, written, and verbal).
• Perform other duties and accept other responsibilities as assigned.

Personnel Supervisory Responsibilities: None

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

Emotional control and patience

Concentration on required tasks

Flexibility in performing daily activities

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Frequent in-Coop travel

Moderate lifting

Sitting for long periods of time

Repetitive hand movements

Correctable visual acuity, auditory acuity, and speech

Adequate upper body strength

Adequate fine motor dexterity

Ability to navigate school buildings frequently and independently

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. Preference will be given to applicants with a high degree of personal communication skills and prior experience as an administrator.