Educational Diagnostician

Primary Purpose:

Implement the special education appraisal process.  Assess the educational progress, learning styles, and program needs of students referred for special education services.  Provide diagnostic information and work cooperatively with instructional personnel to provide the most appropriate programs for the students with disabilities.

Qualifications for Educational Diagnostician:

      Education/Certification:

      Master’s Degree from an approved institution

      Certification as educational diagnostician

      Valid Texas teaching certificate

      Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of diagnostic procedures, education of students with disabilities

Human development and learning theories

Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills

      Experience

      Three years of teaching experience.

 Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Assessment

1. Receive student referrals and implement the appraisal process.
2. Select and administer formal and informal assessments to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations.
3. Collect and organize relevant assessment data from student’s cumulative folder, classroom teachers, principal, support staff, parents, and other resource personnel.
4. Conduct classroom observations and personal interviews.
5. Produce Full Individual Evaluation Reports reflecting the review and interpretation of assessment data and special education eligibility status.
6. Participate in the Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and develop of Individual Educational Plans (IEP) for students according to district procedures.

Consultation

1. Provide staff development training in assigned schools to assist school personnel with identification and understanding of students with disabilities.
2. Assist classroom teachers with implementation of IEP.
3. Consult with parents concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of assessment data.
4. Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant individuals to enhance their work with students.

Program Management

1. Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
2. Assist in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
3. Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the assessment program and make changes based on findings.
4. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required according to mandated timelines.
5. Complete or supervise the completion of all documentation related to the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee meetings.
6. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rules and local board policy in the areas of assessment, placement, and planning for special education services.
7. Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.
8. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.

Communication

1. Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
2. Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.
3. Implement and coordinate special education assessment, behavioral services, and counseling program for the district.
4. Monitor and update staff on current district effectiveness and compliance.
5. Lead teams to research best practices for delivery of services and develop a model based on the research.
6. Oversee material selection for both teams.
7. Update assessment handbook as needed.
8. Serve on the assessment team for preschool program for children with disabilities.  Coordinate Child Find.
9. Attends ARDS as requested.
10. Supervise all assessment and counseling personnel, especially acting as a mentor to new hires.
11. Be responsible for monitoring forms and implementation of special education manager program.
12. Serve on the special education site-based management team, which will meet weekly.
13. Serve as a resource for in-service program such as confidentiality, legal issues, modifications, etc.
14. Assist in the recruitment, selection, and training of personnel.

Additional Duties as Assigned:

Student Counseling

1. Counsel individual special education students with presenting needs and concerns as specified by IEP.
2. Counsel small groups of special education students with presenting needs and concerns as specified by IEP.
3. Use accepted theories and techniques appropriate to school counseling.

Consultation

1. Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, counselors and other relevant individuals working with special education students.
2. Assist families and school staff in accessing community resource services as needed.

Assessment

1. Conduct related service evaluations to identify needs for special education counseling as a related service.
2. Develop counseling goals and objectives as part of the IEP.
3. Evaluate goals and objectives each reporting period.

Professional Growth

1. Participate in professional seminars, conferences and workshops in an effort to remain aware of current trends and issues related to counseling.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

      Supervision of LSSP practicum students and interns, as needed, and psychological services team.

Equipment Used:

      PC Computer, laptop, data projector, copy machine, fax machine, etc.

Working Conditions:

      Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

      1. Maintain self-control under stress.

      2. Travel district-wide on a regular basis to multiple work locations as assigned. 

      3. Manage assessment materials.