Job Purpose:
The Director of Special Education oversees and provides ongoing support for the special education program across ISANA's network of public schools. The Director of Special Education ensures that ISANA schools are in compliance with local, state and federal special education laws, policies and procedures, and that students with special needs are being integrated into the general education instructional program and achieving to their fullest potential.
Responsible to:
Chief Academic Officer
Functions:
Essential Functions
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Oversee the special education program and ensure compliance with local, state and federal laws, policies and procedures
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Supervise, evaluate and provide support to special education teachers, school psychologists, special education paraprofessionals and related service providers
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Monitor and ensure the integrity of the special education instructional program across schools
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Review, negotiate, execute and renew contracts for special education services with outside agencies
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Keep abreast with new laws, policies and procedures and disseminate information to schools
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Ensure safe keeping of confidential student records
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Regularly attend and participate in SELPA meetings
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Oversee the coordination/preparation of District or SELPA special education compliance reviews
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Attend and participate in all school’s annual District oversight visits and DVRs
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Act as primary contact and liaison for Non-Public School referrals/placements
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Assist in coordination/implementation of accommodations/modifications on district benchmark exams and State testing of students with IEPs
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Interview, select and oversee training of new special education personnel
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Provide ongoing professional development to special education staff
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Oversee professional development for general education teachers and administrators on topics related to special education
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Facilitate ongoing data analysis to guide instruction
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Manage selection of reliable, valid and updated special education assessment tools and instructional materials for schools
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Assist with special education budgeting across schools
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Consults with attorney, prepares for, and attends (as needed) Mediation or Due Process Hearings
Other Functions
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During periods of critical personnel shortage or other emergency situations, shall temporarily perform any duties, as directed, within the authorization of any credentials held by the incumbent.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
Education
Earned Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from an accredited university in a related field.
Certifications
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A valid credential authorizing K-12 service in one of the following areas:
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Pupil Personnel Services Credential authorizing service as a school psychologist,
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Service Credential with a specialization in pupil personnel services designating service as a school psychologist, or
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School Psychologist Credential, OR
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A valid CA Education Specialist credential, Mild/Moderate, K-12
AND
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A valid Preliminary or Clear Administrative Services Credential or Certificate of Eligibility for Administrative Services, OR
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Evidence of planning to: register for and take the School Leaders Licensure Assessment for Tier 1, AND/OR enroll in an Administrative Services Credential program in an accredited University.
Experience
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Minimum of three (3) years working as an educator in a full-time certificated position (eg: teacher, school psychologist, specialist, administrator); at least one year of which included mentoring staff.
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Experience in elementary and secondary school settings
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics
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Thorough knowledge of laws, policies and procedures related to special education, discipline and child welfare and attendance
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Knowledge of the fundamental principles and accepted practices of school psychology and school counseling
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Demonstrate exceptional skills in decision-making, problem-solving, managing change, planning, managing conflict, and evaluating
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Model personal and professional ethics, integrity, justice, and fairness and expect the same behaviors from others
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Promote a school culture of learning, respect and interpersonal effectiveness.
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Make and communicate decisions based upon relevant data and research about effective teaching and learning, assessment, leadership, management practices, and equity
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Encourage and inspire others to higher levels of performance, commitment, and motivation
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Protect the rights and confidentiality of students and staff
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Must be willing to work in/with and support a collaborative model
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Possess exemplary ability to communicate orally and in writing
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Ability to read, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
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Ability to cope with crisis situations
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Mobility to traverse all areas of work sites
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Ability to travel to other sites/locations