Chief of Special Education Monitoring & Accountability (Education Program Supervisor)

This position coordinates the implementation of the Birth through age 21 Accountability to Improve Performance (AIP) system that is an integral part of the general supervision responsibility under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) required by the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Early Intervention/Special Education Services (DEI/SES).

The AIP process serves to monitor local public provider agencies (Statewide) serving infants, toddlers, young children and youth with disabilities and their families in the implementation of the 20 USC

• 1400, 34 CFR
• 300 and 303, and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) as it pertains to the provision of early interventions services and special education. The process ensures emphasis is placed on those requirements that are most closely related to improving educational and functional outcomes for children with disabilities, Birth through age 21, by verifying data, examining implementation of evidence-based practices, documenting noncompliance with the IDEA regulatory requirements, and providing technical assistance for the timely correction of noncompliance. These activities raise State accountability on federally specified indicators and have a direct result in how the federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) makes a performance determination status of the State. Directs the Statewide implementation of the Accountability to Improve Performance (AIP) activities.
• Identifies, collects, and analyzes results and compliance data to select performance requirements to be evaluated and interprets the federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) guidance into practice.
• Assists and supports local education agencies (LEAs) and public agencies (PAs) in self-assessment processes and in developing processes that ensure compliance and supports improved results for children with disabilities, Birth through age 21.
• Oversees the development and implementation of the DEI/SES monitoring data system and the verification and collection of data that accurately reports the results of monitoring activities.
• Develops, edits, and reviews comprehensive monitoring reports and identifies noncompliance for both results and compliance and assigns Improvement Plans/Corrective Action Plans to LEAs/PAs.
• Leads on-site monitoring teams in activities that determine the LEA/PA compliance with the IDEA and COMAR as it pertains to children with disabilities, Birth – 21.
• Ensures inter-rater reliability by meeting with monitoring team members to review regulations and determine acceptable limits for verification of appropriate implementation.
• Collaborates with the Section Chief, Research and Data Section to develop and maintain mechanisms for evaluating and reporting on State and local programs through the use of available data.
• Engages in desk audits of LEA/PA data and reviews LEA/PA documents for sufficiency to determine compliance with the IDEA and COMAR as each pertain to infants, toddlers, young children, and youth with disabilities and their families.
• Supports the completion of the State Performance Plan (SPP) for the OSEP that reflects agencies monitoring, and LEA/PA implementation of RDA, including timely correction of noncompliance in accordance with the OSEP Guidance 23-01.
• Provides technical assistance and oversight to LEAs/PAs on the implementation of IDEA and COMAR governing early intervention and special education to ensure LEAs/PAs understand the nature of findings of noncompliance that require timely correction.
• Evaluates growth and progress of LEAs/PAs decreasing the achievement gap of students with disabilities as compared to their non-disabled peers.
• Conceptualizes, designs and develops Self-Assessment instruments and desk audit procedures based on the federal SPP/APR requirements.
• Represents the Division of Early Intervention/Special Education Services in Departmental and/or LEA/PA activities as assigned.
  
  

EDUCATION: A Bachelor’s degree in in Special Education, Education, Related Services, Education Administration-Supervision or a related field.

EXPERIENCE: Four years of administrative or teaching experience in or affiliated with special education, early intervention, or education program. Experience coordinating or administering programs related to accountability and monitoring services for individuals with disabilities and their families is preferred.

Notes

• Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post baccalaureate course work in Education or a related area for the two years of required experience directly related to the position option.
• Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position option for three years of the required experience.
• The required field of education and experience are unique for each option and are established by MSDE in accordance with Education Article, Section 2-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The specific education and experience qualifications for each position are on record in the Human Resource Management Branch of the Division of Business Services.
• Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Education Program classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the Education field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.
  
  

One year supervisory experience of a Special Education or Early Intervention program servicing individuals with disabilities and their families.Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• Knowledge of trends, regulations, policies, and issues governing early intervention and special education programs.
• Knowledge of programs that address public and private/non-profit sponsored support services for families that have children with disabilities.
• Skill in collecting & managing data / information.
• Skill in maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill organizing & managing multiple tasks.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate clearly & effectively both orally & in writing, through the presentation of concise yet comprehensive training, analyses and reports.
  
  

Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees.Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified. The resulting list of qualified candidates will be in effect for at least one year.

State Of Maryland Benefits

Applicants must complete the MD State Government online application for employment -AND- submit their professional resume. The application and resume must clearly demonstrate that the applicant satisfies the minimum qualifications for the position. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the address listed.

If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and be faxed to 410-333-8950 or mailed to MSDE Office of Human Resources, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application. Postmarks will not be accepted.

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0019, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities. If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay.

Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. Individuals with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

All application materials must be received in our office by the Closing Date.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.