Special Education Administrator, OSD

Special Education Administrator

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 320,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 44,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans : academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

The mission of the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) is to support activities designed to accurately identify students with disabilities, and provide them with the specialized instruction and services they need to meet their individual educational needs. OSD works to support networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support. OSD provides the tools and resources to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a high-quality public education that prepares students for success.

Job Summary

The Special Education Administrator will assist the District in ensuring students with disabilities are provided with appropriate instruction and support in compliance with Federal and State regulations. This position will report to the Instructional Supports Manager.

Responsibilities

The Special Education Administrator will be held accountable for the following responsibilities :

• Facilitate the provision of special education services to students and students at risk, which is specified by the Districts best practice protocols and guidelines.
• Utilize a thorough understanding of Special Education work to develop Special Education teachers ability to provide effective instructional strategies for students with disabilities.
• Articulate and promote high expectations for teaching and student learning.
• Support co-teaching models for students in general education classroom environments.
• Develop professional development on effective instruction for students with disabilities by network areas.
• Coach special education teachers on effective, researched-based instruction and data collection.
• Support researched-based instructional techniques for CPS cluster programs.
• Assist in monitoring special education programs and related services to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and local district policies and procedures.
• Analyze data to establish appropriate goals and objectives in the context of improving academic achievement and social-emotional growth.
• Implement and advocate for research-based interventions, strategies, and instruction.
• Follow procedures outlined for placing students in ISBE-approved, nonpublic facility placements.
• Facilitate special education students progress reviews with a focus on data monitoring of student achievement and continuous improvement.
• Monitor, evaluate, and ensure the implementation of Individual Education Plans and inclusive practices.
• Collaborate with Principals, Assistant Principals (and other stakeholders) and District Representatives to assess and analyze the needs of individual students.
• Provide professional development for network and school staff to directly enhance performance and improve student learning; assist with the planning, organization, and presentation of district-wide PD.
• Consistently maintain quality interactions with teachers, students, parents, and the larger community.
• Provide administrative support and technical assistance to school administrators, learning behavior specialists, general educators, and school teams in the areas of curriculum development, instructional techniques, behavior management, and effective educational practices while adhering to CPS policy and IDEA regulations.
• Maintain and protect the rights and confidentiality of others.
• Supervise, evaluate, recruit, and interview for employment of special education teachers and related service staff as applicable.
• Manage fiscal and physical resources responsibly, efficiently, and effectively.
• Coordinate meetings of various discipline staff, such as LBS and RSPs to provide in-service instruction and facilitate communication among members of these groups.
• Collaborate with families and community members to ensure the success of all students.
• Engage parents and honor their contributions, actively involving them in their childrens learning as key members of the IEP team.
• Become familiar with the school, district, and community agencies as resources to enhance special education programming and services.
• Facilitate and foster collaboration with various school and community agencies to address the needs of students with special needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Special Education Administrator must possess the following qualifications :

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to :

Establish / Maintain Chicago Residency Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary / part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.