ARD Specialist

Pay Grade:  833  (Min $317.85 per day)
Work Days:  185

Primary Purpose:
To promote student success by enabling campus administrators and instructional staff to focus on individual student needs and increase the amount and quality of classroom instructional time by implementing consistent systems to manage special education paperwork and the Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) process efficiently

Qualifications:
Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree (preferred)
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements or training for subject and level assigned
• Demonstrated competency in the core academic subject area assigned

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to design, deliver and measure effectiveness of innovative learning opportunities
• Ability to manage student information, ARD management systems, and PEIMS compliance
• Knowledge of all applicable federal, state, local laws, and guidelines and procedures
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Competence in website design, spreadsheets, online learning design, etc.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years experience in special education leadership role at campus level

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Understand and respond to the learning needs of diverse populations
• Design, deliver and measure the effectiveness of innovative adult learning opportunities
• Systematically update and maintain the electronic special education practices and procedures guide
• Implement and maintain compliant special education department record keeping processes
• Assist in establishing, modeling, and communicating a positive organizational climate
• Assist in development of a common language and understanding of ARD practices
• Assist in the alignment of ARD compliance requirements to the district's instructional planning and progress monitoring process
• Provide direct support, professional learning and resources for the ARD child centered process
• Coach campuses in the design and implementation of effective systems for maintaining compliance with ARD timelines
• Conduct on-going folder reviews to ensure ARD and eligibility folders meet the PBMAS program review compliance standards. Identify, document and respond to areas of strength and need
• Monitor timelines for temporary ARDs, annual ARDs, three-year re-evaluations and manifestation determinations
• Ensure effective implementation of end of year procedures for ARD folder compliance and exchanges
• Assist in the design and delivery of learning opportunities for parents of students with disabilities in the child centered ARD process
• Implement policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy
• Follow all rules, regulations, and policies of Plano ISD and follow directives from supervisor
• Follow attendance policy as assigned by supervisor
• Perform other functions that may be assigned by the Administration and/or supervisor

Supervisor Responsibilities:

• None

Working Conditions:
Mental Demands:

• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); interpret policy, procedures, and data; coordinate district functions; maintain emotional control under stress

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: 

• Frequent districtwide and occasional statewide travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours; frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing and pulling; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds; prolonged use of computer and repetitive hand motions

SM061526