ARD Specialist

Primary Purpose

The ARD Specialist is responsible for coordination, planning, and preparation for ARD meetings and completion of ARD documentation for students eligible for special education services to maintain compliance with federal and state regulations, local board policy, and special education operating procedures.

Education/Certification:

• Valid teaching certificate
• Minimum 3 years teaching experience, including teaching students with disabilities
• Experience with computer-based documentation systems
• Master’s degree preferred

Special Knowledge/

Skills:

• Knowledge of ARD procedures, special education programming, curriculum requirements, state assessment, transition, graduation requirements and legal requirements of IDEA and the Texas Education Code
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage conflict and maintain a student-centered focus
• Proficiency in Microsoft office products and Google products
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally (verbal and written)

Probationary/Term

Contract:

193 days

Pay Grade T60 (Teacher Classification) as approved by the Board of Trustees

Attendance

• Regular and reliable attendance is an essential job function

• Identifies the need for and collaborates with support staff to schedule ARDs within district, state and federal requirements
• Monitors initial referral timelines and re-evaluation due dates to ensure timelines are met for ARD meetings
• Reviews records of transfer students to ensure students are provided a FAPE upon enrollment and prepares for 30-day annual ARD meeting
• Conducts all ARDs and staffings as required and within required timelines set forth in federal and state law, district policy and local operating procedures
• Collaborates with campus administration and parents to ensure ARDs are scheduled at mutually agreeable times/days and ensures all required members are invited to and attend to ensure properly constituted ARD meetings (including agency representation when appropriate)
• Ensures appropriate parental notification of ARD meetings following federal and state law, local policies and procedures
• Ensures all required documentation is completed accurately and distributed to parents and staff members
• Promotes a positive, collaborative environment for ARD meetings
• Effectively communicates with colleagues, parents, and students
• Ensures confidentiality of information regarding students receiving special education services by abiding by and informing others of the FERPA requirements
• Exhibits good judgment in decision making and problem solving
• Attends required staff meetings and ARD Specialist meetings
• Attends professional development opportunities as determined by need and as assigned by supervisors
• Performs other duties as assigned

• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues.
• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

• None

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals, and other instructional equipment

Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking

Lifting: May require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist non-ambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive and other classroom equipment; may work prolonged or irregular hours

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards. Work inside, may work outside; regular exposure to noise

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours

Applications will be reviewed.

Not all applicants will be interviewed.

Hiring Managers may choose to email you regarding this application. Please monitor your email regularly for any communication.