Primary Purpose:

Direct and manage the district’s special education program. Ensure that services are provided for special needs students and individualized education plans are provided to meet the needs of all students. Warrant compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Master’s degree in education administration or related educational field

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of federal and state special education law

Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students

Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parents

Ability to implement policy and procedures

Ability to interpret data

Ability to manage budget and personnel

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

Three years experience as a classroom teacher

Two years experience in instructional leadership roles

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional and Program Management

1. Oversee the development and delivery of special education curriculum and instructional programs that incorporate district goals and support student achievement. Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.2. Develop and implement an effective special education referral process and ensure that student assessments and recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students are completed in a timely manner.3. Monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process districtwide. Participate in committee meetings as needed to ensure that students are placed appropriately and that the development of individual education plans for students is consistent with district procedures. Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis.4. Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness. Make changes when warranted.5. Ensure that the necessary time, resources, materials, and technology to support and accomplish educational goals are available. Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs.6. Direct transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.7. Take an active role in formulating and implementing contracts for special education students receiving services outside of the district.

Student Management:

8. Demonstrate support for the district’s student management policies and expected student behavior related to the special education program.

Policy, Reports, and Law

9. Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the area of special education. Recommend sound policies and procedures to improve the program.10. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.

Budget and Inventory

11. Develop and administer the special education budget based on documented needs and ensure that operations are cost-effective and funds are managed wisely.12. Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.

Personnel Management

13. Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in the special education department.

14. Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.

Communication and Community Relations

15. Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with principals, teachers, staff, parents, and community members.

16. Work with campus-level planning and decision-making committees to plan professional development activities

School or Community Relations

17. Articulate the school’s mission to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.

18. Demonstrate awareness of school and community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs using appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise, evaluate, and recommend the hiring and firing of staff assigned to campus including assistant principal(s), teachers, counselor(s), librarian(s), instructional aides, clerical support staff, and custodians.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computers and peripherals.

Posture: Frequent sitting and standing; occasional bending/stooping, pushing,/pulling, and twisting.

Motion: Repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of a mouse; occasional reaching.

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional physical restraint of students to control behavior.

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; occasional district-wide and statewide travel.

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.