ARD Manager

Special Education Teacher

Responsible for facilitating Annual, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings and completion of required ARD paperwork. Monitor implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and facilitate communication with parents and staff.

The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties and responsibilities noted herein, however, this list represents examples only, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

• Model KISD core organizational beliefs and values; perform duties effectively and efficiently for the purpose of supporting and contributing to high student achievement.
• Provide program support and service delivery; communicate effectively within and across teams and participate in cross-functional work groups.
• Maintain a commitment to the District mission; model District expectations through personal leadership and actively support the efforts of others to achieve District goals.

Instructional Strategies

• Schedules or assist in scheduling Annual, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings and assist with establishing an agenda, setting the time allotted for the meeting, and establishing a set of guidelines for the meeting.
• Facilitate ARD committee discussions using facilitation techniques to help the committee members communicate and collaborate effectively. Ensure each committee member has an opportunity to participate, resolve disagreements that arise, and keep the committee on task.
• Ensure federal and state timelines are met with respect to functions of the ARD committee meetings.
• Implement and maintain systematic communication between special and general education personnel with respect to ARD meetings and decisions, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), student accommodations, and instructional concerns and progress.
• Support student achievement ensuring delivery of special education curriculum and instruction according to the IEP of individual students.
• Ensure student progress is evaluated on a regular, systematic basis, and findings are used to make decisions to improve program effectiveness as it relates to specific student needs. Offer and implement changes when warranted.
• Collaborate with teacher to address student achievement deficiencies focusing resources, materials, and technology to promote satisfactory classroom performance. Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs.
• Assist in monitoring the instructional process to ensure program activities are aligned with desired outcomes and IEP.

Instructional Support

• Support the District's student management policies and expectations for student behaviors related to the Special Education program.
• Use coaching skills to support staff, build capacity, and provide technical assistance.
• Provide orientation to new staff on procedures for effective implementation of the campus ARD process.
• Be a positive role model for students.

Communication and Community Relations

• Establish and maintain a positive relationship with principals, teachers, staff, and parents by supporting innovation and efforts in educating students with disabilities.
• Serve as parent liaison in matters pertaining to student assessment, program eligibility, and IEPs.
• Articulate the District's mission and goals in the area of Special Education and solicit support in realizing the mission.

Professional Growth and Development

• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Comply with State, District, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

Other

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
• Develop and maintain systems for retrieval of information in support of all programs; compile, maintain, file, and secure all physical and computerized reports, records, and other required documents.
• Pursue Professional Development activities for self and assigned staff; ensure that Professional Development activities are aligned with District goals and initiatives and current professional research.
• Comply with all policies, operating procedures, legal requirements, and verbal and written directives.
• Comply with the Professional Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.
• Follow District safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university
• Valid Texas Teaching Certificate with required endorsements or related training

Experience:

• Student teaching, approved internship, or related work experience

Special Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of state and federal laws for educating students with disabilities
• Understanding of the individual needs of students with disabilities
• Knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Ability to communicate effectively with parents and staff
• Ability to implement policies and procedures
• Ability to interpret data
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Mental/Physical Demands and Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used:

• Personal computer, phone systems, video/instructional equipment, and peripherals

Posture:

• Prolonged siting and standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion:

• Frequent walking; repetitive computer work with frequent use of hands and wrists

Lifting:

• Occasional light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds)

Environment:

• Work to be completed on-site from assigned school or building
• Regular exposure to noise and computer monitors
• Occasional districtwide travel
• No remote work

Mental Demands:

• Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress work; prolonged or irregular hours

Intent and Acknowledgement:

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit, or any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.