Special Education Strat - Elementary

Special Education Strat I

This position is responsible for providing educational leadership through the Waterloo Community School District curriculum and to facilitate learning that challenges and supports all students in an equitable and safe environment and that meets Board Policy 102.0 (Educational Philosophy) and Board and building educational goals. This position delivers the curriculum selected by the district, congruent with the district-adopted curricula scope and sequence, in a manner congruent with district expectations for teaching strategies, approaches and methodologies.

All criteria are Iowa Teaching Standards except for those denoted with an asterisk (*) which are Waterloo Community Schools criteria.

Enhances academic performance and support for implementation of the school district's student achievement goals.

• Provides multiple forms of evidence of student learning and growth to students, families and staff.
• Implements strategies supporting students, building and district goals.
• Uses student performance data as a guide for decision making.
• Accepts and demonstrates responsibility for creating a classroom culture that supports the learning of every student.
• Creates an environment of mutual respect, rapport and fairness.
• Participates in and contributes to a school culture that focuses on improved student learning.
• Communicates with students, families, colleagues and communities effectively and accurately.

Demonstrates competence in content knowledge appropriate to the teaching position.

• Understands and uses key concepts, underlying themes, relationships and different perspectives related to the content area.
• Uses knowledge of student development to make learning experiences in the content area meaningful and accessible for every student.
• Relates ideas and information within and across content areas.
• Understands and uses instructional strategies that are appropriate to the content area.

Plans and prepares for instruction.

• Uses student achievement data, local standards and the district curriculum in planning for instruction.
• Sets and communicates high expectations for social, behavioral and academic success of all students.
• Uses student's developmental needs, background and interests in planning for instruction.
• Selects strategies to engage all students in learning.
• Uses available resources, including technologies, in the development and sequencing of instruction.

Uses strategies to deliver instruction that meet the multiple learning needs of students.

• Aligns classroom instruction with local standards and district curriculum.
• Uses research-based instructional strategies that address the full range of cognitive levels.
• Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness in adjusting instruction to meet student needs.
• Engages students in varied experiences that meet diverse needs and promote social, emotional and academic growth.
• Connects students' prior knowledge, life experiences and interests in the instructional process.
• Uses available resources, including technologies, in the delivery of instruction.

Uses a variety of methods to monitor student learning.

• Aligns classroom assessment with instruction.
• Communicates assessment criteria and standards to all students and parents.
• Understands and uses the results of multiple assessments to guide planning and instruction.
• Guides students in goal setting and assessing their own learning.
• Provides substantive, timely and constructive feedback to students and parents.
• Works with other staff and building and district leadership in analysis of student progress.

Manages the classroom.

• Creates a learning community that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement and self-regulation for every student.
• Establishes, communicates, models and maintains standards of responsible student behavior.
• Develops and implements classroom procedures and routines that support high expectations for learning.
• Uses instructional time effectively to maximize student achievement.
• Maintains an environment conducive to learning for students of all abilities with sensitivity and responsibility to cultural diversity.
• Manages student behavior in accordance with administrative regulations and…