ARD Facilitator

Special Education Coordinator

Implements, facilitates, and supervises the special education Admission Review and Dismissal/Individualized Education Program (ARD/IEP) process. Collaborates with other professionals and parents in the ARD process. Works cooperatively with instructional and evaluation personnel to develop the most appropriate programs for students with disabilities according to the federal requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Valid Texas Special Education Teaching Certificate or similarly credentialed (i.e. SLP, LSSP, and/or Ed. Diag.) or Master's degree from an accredited college or university preferred.

Knowledge of Admission Review and Dismissal (ARD) procedures, education of special education students, curriculum requirements, state assessment, graduation requirements and legal requirements of IDEA and Texas Education Code.

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to manage conflict and maintain a student-centered focus.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Gmail and Google Calendars.

Ability to communicate effectively and professionally (verbal and written).

Three years special education teaching, diagnostic evaluation experience, or similarly credentialed/experience.

Identifies the need for and schedules Failure ARDs, Manifestation Determination Review ARDs, Graduation ARDs, Initial ARDs, Transfer Meetings, and Permanent Placement ARDs within District, state, and federal guidelines.

Monitors initial referral timelines, schedules and conducts initial ARD committee meetings within the required timelines set forth by Texas Education Code.

Schedules and conducts transfer meetings and Permanent Placement ARDs within the required timelines set forth by the Texas Education Code.

Investigates and interprets records from previous districts for transfer students to ensure that students are provided with a Free Appropriate Public Education upon enrollment and to be prepared for the 30-day Permanent Placement ARD.

Schedules and conducts Manifestation Determination Review ARDs and Staffing in accordance with District policies/procedures.

Responds to parent and staff requests for ARD meetings in accordance with federal, state, and local policies and procedures.

Collaborates with campus administrator(s) to schedule ARD meetings at mutually acceptable times/days and ensure all required members are invited/excused/attend.

Collaborates with other professionals (assessment staff, interpreters, related service providers, outside agencies, initial consent for placement, etc.) and provides timely notifications of ARD meetings.

Informs agency representatives (DARS, BBT, etc.) of ARD meetings when appropriate and with consent from the parent/guardian/adult student.

Confirms ARD meeting times/dates/location with parents and students, when appropriate.

Completes ARD notices and distributes copies to all parents with a legal responsibility for the child in accordance with Department of Special Education Services procedures.

Maintains neutrality in facilitating ARD meetings while maintaining compliance with District-approved procedures.

Incorporates conflict management techniques when disagreements arise.

Utilizes appropriate questioning techniques to build consensus within the committee members.

Ensures each member has the opportunity to participate.

Promotes a positive, collaborative environment for ARD meetings.

Deals sensitively and fairly with persons from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Trains and collaborates with families to ensure understanding of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards and the Guide to the ARD process.

Provides copies of and utilizes the District-provided ARD agenda to ensure all required items are covered and committee…