ARD Specialist/Facilitator

Position Purpose 

-  Under the general supervision of the Special Education Director, the ARD Specialist/Facilitator is responsible for coordination, planning, and preparation for ARD meetings and completion of ARD documentation for students eligible for special education services to maintain compliance with federal and state regulations, local board policy, and special education operating procedures.

 Education/Certification:

Valid Texas Teaching Certificate required

Special Education Certification required

Minimum 3 years teaching experience, including teaching students with disabilities

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of ARD procedures, special education programming, curriculum requirements, state assessment, transition, graduation requirements and legal requirements of IDEA and the Texas Education Code

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

 Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Identifies the need for and collaborates with support staff to schedule ARDs within district, state and federal requirements
• Monitors initial referral timelines and re-evaluation due dates to ensure timelines are met for ARD meetings
• Reviews records of transfer students to ensure students are provided a FAPE upon enrollment and prepares for 30-day annual ARD meeting
• Conducts all ARDs and staffings as required and within required timelines set forth in federal and state law, district policy and local operating procedures
• Collaborates with campus administration and parents to ensure ARDs are scheduled at mutually agreeable times/days and ensures all required members are invited to and attend to ensure properly constituted ARD meetings (including agency representation when appropriate)
• Ensures appropriate parental notification of ARD meetings following federal and state law, local policies and procedures
• Ensures all required documentation is completed accurately and distributed to parents and staff members
• Promotes a positive, collaborative environment for ARD meetings
• Effectively communicates with colleagues, parents, and students
• Ensures confidentiality of information regarding students receiving special education services by abiding by and informing others of the FERPA requirements
• Exhibits good judgment in decision making and problem solving

Other

• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues.
• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

Additional Duties 

-  Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent. 

  Note:         The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility. 

Equipment 

-  Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone. 

  Travel Requirements 

-  Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required. 

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards 

-  Works in standard office and school building environments. 

FLSA Status: Exempt