DYSLEXIA SPECIALIST

RESPONSIVEED ARKANSAS

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

DYSLEXIA SPECIALIST

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reports To: Director of Special Programs
Location: Districtwide - Arkansas Campuses
Travel: Districtwide travel required

PRIMARY PURPOSE


The Dyslexia Specialist / Level II Screener is responsible for administering and interpreting Arkansas Level II dyslexia screening assessments in accordance with current Arkansas Department of Education: Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirements, the Arkansas Dyslexia Resource Guide, and district procedures.


The position supports the identification of students who demonstrate characteristics of dyslexia and assists campus teams in understanding assessment results and determining appropriate instructional and intervention supports. The Dyslexia Specialist provides assessment support, consultation, professional learning, and instructional guidance related to dyslexia, structured literacy, reading difficulties, and evidence-based reading practices.


The position works collaboratively with teachers, interventionists, campus administrators, and families. The employee may also assist the Director of Special Programs with districtwide dyslexia, literacy, compliance, professional development, assessment, and other special programs initiatives.


The Dyslexia Specialist / Level II Screener does not independently diagnose dyslexia. Screening results are considered as part of the educational decision-making process along with other relevant student data.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Certification

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Arkansas educator license or other qualification permitted by Arkansas law and district policy.
• Demonstrated competency in administration and scoring of the Level II dyslexia screening assessments utilized by the district

Preferred Qualifications

• Arkansas Dyslexia K-12 endorsement or ancillary license.
• Dyslexia Specialist certification or recognized dyslexia credential.
• Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) or structured literacy certification.
• Experience administering and interpreting reading assessments and Level II screenings.
• Experience providing structured literacy or evidence-based reading intervention.
• Experience working within an RTI/MTSS framework.
• Experience providing professional development or instructional coaching.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of dyslexia, structured literacy, and the Science of Reading.
• Knowledge of phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, encoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
• Knowledge of literacy assessment and progress monitoring.
• Knowledge of Arkansas dyslexia screening requirements and DESE guidance.
• Ability to administer, score, and interpret standardized assessments accurately and with fidelity.
• Strong organizational, written, oral communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to travel between district campuses.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Dyslexia Screening and Assessment

• Administer Level II dyslexia screening assessments in accordance with current Arkansas DESE requirements, the Arkansas Dyslexia Resource Guide, and district procedures.
• Follow standardized assessment administration and scoring procedures to ensure reliable and accurate results.
• Coordinate with campus personnel to schedule students for Level II screenings.
• Review available student information and educational data prior to screening.
• Score and interpret screening assessments and identify patterns of strengths and weaknesses associated with characteristics of dyslexia.
• Prepare clear and comprehensive screening reports documenting assessment results and relevant recommendations.
• Communicate screening results to campus personnel and parents/guardians as appropriate.
• Participate in meetings related to screening results and student needs as requested.
• Assist campus teams in identifying appropriate instructional and intervention next steps based on assessment data.
• Maintain accurate screening records, assessment protocols, reports, and related documentation.

Instructional Support and Collaboration

• Collaborate with teachers, interventionists, administrators, and other school personnel to support students with reading difficulties.
• Provide consultation and instructional recommendations related to structured literacy and evidence-based reading practices.
• Assist campus personnel in understanding and using assessment data to inform instruction.
• Assist with reviewing progress-monitoring data and student response to intervention when requested.
• Provide professional learning, coaching, and technical assistance regarding dyslexia, literacy, assessment, and evidence-based reading instruction.
• Assist campuses in identifying appropriate instructional resources and strategies to address reading needs.
• Participate in district and campus meetings related to dyslexia, literacy, reading intervention, RTI/MTSS, and other special programs as assigned.

Compliance and Documentation

• Assist the district in maintaining compliance with Arkansas dyslexia screening and intervention requirements.
• Maintain accurate physical and electronic records related to dyslexia screening and assessment.
• Assist with monitoring activities, compliance reviews, audits, and documentation requests related to dyslexia and special programs.
• Compile and maintain reports, assessment protocols, records, and other required documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with FERPA, district policy, and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Remain current with federal, state, district, and school regulations, policies, and procedures applicable to assigned responsibilities.

Support to the Director of Special Programs

• Assist the Director of Special Programs with districtwide dyslexia, literacy, assessment, compliance, and other special programs initiatives.
• Assist with the development, organization, and implementation of procedures, resources, forms, handouts, and guidance documents.
• Assist with collecting, organizing, and analyzing student and program data.
• Assist with preparing reports, presentations, spreadsheets, training materials, and other special programs documents.
• Assist with professional development activities coordinated by the Department of Special Programs.
• Assist with districtwide special programs projects, events, and initiatives.
• Provide technical assistance to campus personnel in areas within the employee's training and expertise.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Special Programs.

COMMUNICATION AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish and maintain effective communication with students, parents/guardians, teachers, campus administrators, interventionists, and district staff.
• Communicate assessment results and recommendations accurately, clearly, and professionally.
• Participate in conferences and meetings with parents, teachers, administrators, and other personnel as needed.
• Respond to requests for assistance and provide timely communication regarding assigned responsibilities.
• Participate in district and campus professional development activities.
• Maintain current knowledge of Arkansas dyslexia requirements, literacy assessment, dyslexia screening, structured literacy, and evidence-based reading practices.
• Share knowledge and expertise with campus personnel when appropriate.
• Attend and participate in faculty, campus, district, and department meetings as required.
• Serve on committees and participate in district initiatives as assigned.
• Maintain professional and ethical standards at all times.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Mental Demands: Ability to maintain emotional control under stress; exercise sound judgment; manage multiple assignments and timelines; maintain confidentiality; work independently and collaboratively; and remain flexible as district and campus needs change.


Physical Demands: Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, and carrying assessment materials. Ability to move between classrooms and campuses, transport assessment and instructional materials, administer individual assessments for extended periods, and use computers and other required technology.


Environmental Factors: Work is primarily performed in school, classroom, office, and assessment environments. Frequent travel between district campuses is required. May occasionally work outside normal school hours for meetings, training, or special programs activities.

OTHER DUTIES


Maintain and properly use district-assigned assessment materials, equipment, and resources; maintain accurate documentation; comply with district policies and procedures; and perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Programs.

EVALUATION


Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with ResponsiveEd policies and procedures and applicable evaluation requirements.