The Department chair is responsible for overseeing the function and efficiency of the buildings Special Education Department, in addition to coordinating evaluation team meetings, completing required paperwork, and completing academic evaluations, as required by the local education agency, the RI Department of Education and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2004, in order to assess whether a disability is present. In addition to, the Department Chair will work closely with the principals and teachers in the schools, central office personnel, parents, and with those institutions and agencies in the community interested in services for children with disabilities. The Special Education Department Chairs immediate supervisor is the building Principal.Exemplary Duties and Responsibilities:Coordinates and chairs the evaluation teamCollaborates with the Systems Manager to review all pertinent data to inform decisionsOversees the referral process and scheduling the referrals in compliance with the IDEA evaluation timelinesSupport case managers and ensure that IEPs and other required paperwork are completed in a timely manner following evaluation. Review all evaluation/RTI data and present data to the team in a comprehensive mannerAdministration and completion of education evaluationsCoordinates grade level transition meetings with staff and administration at the end of each academic year (school to school)Coordinates meetings with outside agencies, such as but not limited to, Office of RehabilitationLiaison between regular education and special educationInsures that the school administration and special educators follow and implement all federal and state mandates outlined by IDEA Coordinates regularly scheduled meetings with the special education staffResponsible for scheduling an IEP team meeting, including the Special Education Director or Assistant Special Education Director, when placement or change in service decisions need to be made. Assist building administration, guidance and central office with the development of caseloads and student schedules, which includes placement of students in the least restrictive environmentMonitoring the quality of special education service delivery Coordination of all transition activitiesReview all special education documents prior to the presentation to the IEP or evaluation team to insure high quality and compliance. Planning and delivery of Professional development in the area, but not limited to, the following topics:1.IDEA regulations and district protocol for the evaluation and delivery of services to students with disabilities.2.Transition tools, activities, assessment and mandates. 3.Co-teaching and other inclusive models4.Specialized instruction5.Writing IEPs 6.Progress monitoring IEP goals and Objectives7.Interpreting evaluation results and how this translates to program placement and IEP development8.The use of RTI data in determining disabilityOn-going dissemination of current special education district information to case managers and special education support staff. Membership in TACDevelopment of the agenda and presentation of materials at regularly scheduled special education department meetingsProvide support to the Special Educators in the buildingAny other duties assigned by the Director of Special Education, Assistant Director of Special Education or school /district administrators.Is Knowledgeable Of:IDEASection 504The related laws of Rhode Island, the BEP and the policies, regulations and procedures of the Pawtucket School Department and the Rhode Island Department of EducationThe RI High School Regulations and graduation requirementsResponse to Intervention (academic and behavioral)Data analysisThe new RI teacher evaluation toolPrinciples of learning; principles of effective instructionPrinciples of effective management, staff supervision, and evaluation of instructionInstructional materials and their relationship to program goals and objectivesResponse to InterventionEmployment Standards:Masters Degree in special education, educational administration or educational leadership preferredRIDE certification Special Education 9 - 12At least five years teaching experienceEvidence of Commitment to educating students with special needs within the least restrictive environmentExperience in a leadership roleAbility to effectively communicate with staff, parents, and administrationAbility to interpret and implement changes in federal and state special education laws and regulationsAbility to work effectively along with all administrators in establishing and maintaining district plans for continuous improvement of student performanceSkill At:Public Speaking; writing; listening; problem solving; dispute resolution and providing directionStaff supervision and administrationAbility to communicate with other professionals in a respectful and productive mannerRespectful, sensitive and professional communication with family and communityAbility to work as a team with school administration and facultyExcellence in problem solving and organization skillsTimely in the completion of tasks and paperwork requirementsCreative in solutions to problems and in the development of service models to meet the needs of students.Complete requirements of job in a fast-pace environmentResearch and data analysisTeaching and presentingUse of instructional technologyObserving and understanding effective teaching techniquesLeadershipBeing innovative and working with little directionEstablishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of workLicenses/Certificates:A valid Rhode Island Special Education certificatePossession of, or ability to obtain, a valid State of Rhode Island drivers license with a driving record acceptable to the districtCompensation and Benefits:Salary and benefits will be per Pawtucket Teachers Agreement.
