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Job Title: Director of Special Programs Exemption Status/Test: Exempt Reports to: Assistant Superintendent Pay Grade: AP7 Dept./School: Special Programs Employment Days: 226 __ PRIMARY PURPOSE This position will: ? Provide visionary leadership in the development, implementation, and coordination of the districts special programs department. ? Plan, coordinate, and supervise the districts Special Education, Nurses, ESL, Dyslexia, Section 504, and Federal Programs including Title I, II, III, and IV. ? Ensure sound and continuing educational programs for children that are embedded in best practices. ? Work collaboratively with a multitude of stakeholders to create exemplary, inclusive learning environments where students are members of the school communitys least restrictive learning environment. QUALIFICATIONS Education/Certification: ? Valid Texas Teaching Certificate ? Masters degree, required ? Administrator or supervisor certification, required ? Doctoral degree, preferred Special Knowledge/Skills: ? Knowledge of federal and state special education law, policies, and procedures ? Knowledge of federal and state Section 504, Dyslexia, and ESL policies, and procedures ? Knowledge of federal Title programs ? Understanding of the individual needs of students with learning differences ? Ability to communicate with all levels of students with learning differences and their parents ? Ability to develop, train, and implement policy and procedures ? Ability to interpret, analyze, and disaggregate data ? Ability to build and manage budget and grants ? Ability to recruit, hire, train, and retain high-quality staff ? Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills Administrator Competencies: ? Creative visionary who is passionately focused on effecting change and has the ability to merge data and facts with intuition, imagination, and innovation in an effort to realize the possibilities rather than be content with the probabilities. ? Creator of a supportive environment by modeling and expecting autonomy and accountability, exemplifying ethics and values. ? Inspiring catalyst who motivates and empowers others to become leaders and risk-takers, acknowledges expertise, celebrates successes and honors the lives of others. Experience: ? Minimum of 5 years successful teaching experience ? Minimum of 3 years successful experience in working with and/or leading special programs ? Campus Level Leadership experience, preferred ? Administrative or District Level Leadership experience, preferred MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES Strategic Partnerships Argyle ISD ? Research and network with other schools both in and out of state to redesign and restructure academic programming to stay relevant and be the industrys best. ? Collaborate on identification and submission of grant opportunities to expand program offerings and staff professional development. ? Strengthen partnerships between parents, staff, and community. In addition, utilizing these relationships to strengthen program efforts to become the industrys best. Instructional and Program Management ? Oversee the development and delivery of special education, Dyslexia, 504, and ESL instructional programs that incorporate district goals and support student achievement. Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs. ? Develop and implement an effective special education and Section 504 referral process and ensure that student assessments and recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students are completed in a timely manner. ? Monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) and Section 504 process districtwide. Participate in committee meetings as needed to ensure that students are placed appropriately and development of individual ed cation plans for students is consistent with district procedures. Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis and that appropriate data collection methods are consistently administered. ? Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education, Section 504, Dyslexia, and ESL effectiveness. Make changes when warranted. ? Ensure that the necessary time, resources, materials, and technology to support accomplish educational goals are available. Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs. ? Direct transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs. ? Take an active role in formulating and implementing contracts for special education students receiving services outside of the district. ? Use the findings of research and district studies to improve the content and sequence of the teaching/learning process and its outcomes. ? Involve the staff in developing, maintaining, and revising curriculum documents based on systematic review and analysis of need. ? Encourage and support the development and implementation of effective instructional programs to achieve identified needs. ? Involve instructional staff in evaluating, selecting, or developing instructional materials to meet student-learning needs. ? Cooperate with school staff in scheduling instructional activities to maximize learning outcome. ? Facilitate the use of existing technology in the teaching/learning process. ? Systematically and continuously monitor dropout and at-risk data to ensure that program activities are related to program outcomes; use these findings for corrective action and improvement, as well as for recognition of success. ? Develop and implement a robust professional development and training program for special programs staff, general education staff, and campus leadership teams. Student Management ? Demonstrate support for the districts student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education program. Policy, Reports, and Law ? Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of special education. Recommend sound policies and procedures to improve program. ? Ensure that federal and state laws and regulations concerning the education of special students and compensatory students are observed, as well as completion of all federal compliance reporting and State Performance Plan Indicator Reporting. ? Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required. ? Oversee Grants and Compliance through TEA eGrants ? Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures. ? Oversee and submit the District Equity Plan Federal Title I, Part A, Sec. 1112(b)(2) as required by TEA. Budget and Inventory ? Develop and administer the special education, Section 504, Dyslexia, and ESL budget based on documented needs and ensure that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely. Argyle ISD __ ? Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary. Personnel Management ? Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in the special programs department. ? Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal. Communication and Community Relations ? Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with principals, teachers, staff, parents, and community members. ? Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notify parents and students of available services. ? Articulate the districts mission and goals in the area of special education to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission