Pending Board Approval 

Division: Special Education

Position Type:

10 Month

Work Hours: M-F 7:30 - 4:30

(Job Grade: 17)

Summary:

The intent of this position is to provide assistance to local education agencies and KRESA programs by analyzing current data and coaching schools/districts in the implementation of best practices in special education with a goal of improved outcomes for students with IEPs.

The Program Improvement Consultant will collaborate with the Program Improvement and Accountability Director, county wide special education administrators/coordinators, and district certified special education providers to support:

• State complaint facilitation
• Proactive monitoring and compliance processes
• Professional development and technical assistance
• Data collection, data analysis, and the use of data to continuously improve specialized instructional services for students with disabilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with state complaints to ensure accurate and timely compliance with MDE dispute resolution procedures.
• In collaboration with KRESA Program Improvement and Accountability Director, plan, coordinate, and implement professional development for local education agency staff as it relates to IEP implementation.
• Support the organization and dissemination of resources to local special education departments as it relates to IDEA and specially designed instruction.
• Engage local education agency staff in pro-active monitoring processes to ensure FAPE and educational benefit exists for students with IEPs.
• In collaboration with KRESA Program Improvement and Accountability Director, coach local education agency staff to be able to understand and interpret legislation, rules, and regulations in the context of how they relate to systems of support and outcomes for students.
• Provide professional development/coaching and technical assistance to special education staff to support positive system change and assurance of FAPE for students with IEPs.
• Coach local district teams in understanding the process to create and implement clear, logical IEPs that produce strong results in student learning.
• Work collaboratively with district leadership to implement a vision and goals for evidence-based specially designed instruction.
• Assist special education department with the activities, data collection, and data analysis necessary to support continuous improvement.
• Actively engage with MDE and other compliance information sources/connections to effectively communicate/disseminate important guidance and policies related to serving students with disabilities.
• Maintain regular and consistent attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Must have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Kalamazoo RESA handbook.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE)
• Knowledge of best practices in IEP development and implementation to maximize outcomes for students
• Demonstrated knowledge of adult learning theory and sound professional development 

Education and/or Experience:

Master’s degree (M.A.) or equivalent; full approval as a special education teacher consultant with five to ten (5-10) years related experience and/or full approval as a school psychologist with five to ten (5-10) years experience.

Certificates, License, Registration:

Full Approval as a Special Education Teacher Consultant or

Full Approval as a School Psychologist

Other Skill & Abilities:

• Embraces and supports KRESA philosophies related to diversity, inclusiveness, and anti-racism.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals from a wide range of cultures.
• Ability to discuss cultural differences with colleagues and clients.
• Ability to assess one's own strengths and limitations or challenges and integrate this understanding into interpersonal interactions.
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Works in a team-oriented fashion
• Ability to efficiently use computer and applicable software
• Ability to problem solve
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret data
• Effectively present information in front of groups and engage in audience
• Adapts to frequent changes in the work environment
• Practices safe work habits
• Uses equipment and material properly

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is frequently required to reach with arms and hands, stand walk and sit. The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or nonprescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the district.

Notice of Non-discrimination: It is the policy of Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency that no discriminating practices based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or sexual identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information or any other legally protected category be allowed during any program, activity, service or in employment. The following position at Kalamazoo RESA has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Executive Director of Human Resources. Contact information: 269-250-9200, 1819 E. Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49002.