JOB GOAL:    Assess children referred for special education services; maintain records on eli1gible special education students according to state and federal laws; and, collaborate with teachers, parents, and other school personnel in order to plan and implement individual programs that promote student learning. 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Salary:  In accordance with the annual salary schedule approved by the Management Board of the Freestone-Navarro Bi-County Coop.

11 months/202 days per year, term or probationary contract, as applicable.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

 Education/Certification: 

          Master's Degree

         Valid Texas Educational Diagnostician Certificate

          Special Education Teacher Certification

          Minimum 1 year Special Education Teaching experience

  Special Knowledge/Skills:

   Knowledge in the administration and interpretation of tests used to assess   

   intellectual development, academic achievement, and learning style. 

   Knowledge of federal and state rules governing students with disabilities. 

   Knowledge of best practices in providing programming for students with disabilities.

   Exceptional organizational skills and time-management skills. 

   Ability to resolve conflicts.

   Basic computer skills and knowledge.

MAJOR PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

            Program Management: 

1. Encourage and support the development, implementation, and maintenance of effective and inclusive instruction programs to achieve identified needs of students with disabilities.

1. Cooperate with school district staff in scheduling instructional classes, services, or activities to enhance learning outcomes.

1. Assist in ensuring that support services for students with disabilities are effective in achieving their objectives.

1. Support and follow local, state, and federal rules, procedures, and policies. 

       School Climate:

1. Communicate and interpret the philosophy of the district's special education program effectively with parents, school personnel, and community.

1. Assist in the coordination of procedures for student appraisal and the admission, review, and dismissal process.

1. Relate to staff, students, and parents, in ways that convey equality, mutual respect, and concern.

1. Demonstrate skill in conflict resolution with administrators, parents, staff, teacher staff, and/or the community. 

     School Improvement: 

1. Provide assistance in special education programming for campus level personnel so that overall performance is improved.

1. Work cooperatively with others in attaining district and special education program goals and objectives.

1. Stay current regarding and facilitate the use of effective techniques and strategies in the learning process for students with disabilities

1. Work cooperatively with campus, transportation, and central office personnel to insure schools are in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations for special education.

        Student Management:  

1. Demonstrate sensitivity to the concerns and needs students and their parents.
2. Monitor student records to insure the ARD recommendations are being followed and apprise campus administration and central office staff of needed changes

1. Collaborate in the decision making process at the campus level and central office level to foster teaching/learning improvement

         Professional Growth and Development:

1. Continue to develop skills appropriate to the job assignment
2. Use input provided to improve professional skills and knowledge through formal and informal assessment data

1. Maintain a professional and ethical manner as outlined in the Standards of Conduct for the Educational Profession

1. Maintain mental and physical ability to perform job functions 

          School/Community Relations: 

1. Communicate and convey information with clarity regarding the district's programs.         

1. Act as an effective liaison among staff, parents, and community
2. Involve parents and the community in district and special education program improvement efforts as appropriate 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

            Mental Demands:

         Emotional control and patience

         Concentration on required tasks

         Flexibility in performing daily activities

            Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

         Frequent in-Coop travel

         Moderate lifting

         Sitting for long periods of time

         Repetitive hand movements

         Correctable visual acuity, auditory acuity, and speech

         Adequate upper body strength

         Adequate fine motor dexterity

         Ability to navigate school buildings frequently and independently

 The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.  Preference will be given to applicants with a high degree of personal communication skills and prior experience as a diagnostician.