Special Education Program Coordinator

High School Special Education Program Coordinator

Work Year: 210 days

Salary: $ (Unit

B)

General Description

North Andover Public Schools is seeking a highly skilled and collaborative High School Special Education Program Coordinator to provide administrative leadership for special education programming at North Andover High School. This role involves supervising and evaluating special education staff, overseeing program development and service delivery for students in grades 9-12, and ensuring full compliance with state and federal regulations.

The successful candidate will focus on the unique needs of the secondary population, specifically emphasizing Transition Planning for students aged 14-18. A key component of this role is collaborating closely with the LAUNCH (18-22) Program Coordinator to facilitate seamless transitions for students moving from the high school setting into post-secondary programming.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

* Leadership & Supervision:
Provide administrative oversight of special education programming at the high school level; supervise and evaluate high school special education teachers and paraprofessionals.

* Secondary Transition (Ages 14-18):
Lead the development and implementation of Transition Planning Forms (TPFs) for all eligible students beginning at age 14, ensuring that IEP goals are aligned with post-secondary visions for education, employment, and independent living.

* LAUNCH Program

Collaboration:

Work in close partnership with the Special Education Coordinator for the LAUNCH (18-22) program to coordinate the transition of students requiring extended services, ensuring data sharing, family orientation, and continuity of care.

* IEP Leadership:
Chair complex IEP meetings, including initial eligibility, re-evaluations, and Manifestation Determinations.

* Graduation & MCAS:
Collaborate with the high school guidance department to monitor progress toward graduation, coordinate MCAS accommodations and appeals, and ensure students are meeting state requirements for a high school diploma.

* Service Delivery Models:
Support the implementation of diverse secondary service models, including co-teaching (inclusion), academic support centers, and therapeutic programs.

* Scheduling & Placement:
Partner with high school administration on the complex scheduling of special education services within a departmentalized secondary setting and make data-driven student placement decisions.

* Communication & Liaison:
Act as a primary liaison for parents and advocates, ensuring clear communication regarding high school services and the various pathways available to students as they approach age 18.

* Compliance:
Ensure consistent compliance with IDEA, MA DESE, and 603 CMR 28.00, with a specific focus on secondary level timelines and documentation.

* Professional Development:
Plan and deliver instructional coaching for staff on secondary-level modifications, executive functioning support, and evidence-based transition practices for the 14-18 age cohort.

* Resource Management:
Commit district resources in accordance with special education planning and fiscal responsibility.

Working Conditions

* High school and office settings with occasional travel within the district.

* Regular use of computers, student information systems, and IEP management software.

* Physical ability to navigate a large secondary campus; regular interaction with adolescents, families, and multi-disciplinary teams.