JOB TITLE: Educational Diagnostician
WAGE: Hourly
STATUS: Exempt
PAY GRADE: Professional
REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education
DUTY DAYS: 198
DEPARTMENT: Department
DATE REVISED: June 2020
This position is eligible for a Chapter 21 contract.
PRIMARY PURPOSE: To manage cases concerning the evaluation of students referred for special education services. Maintain student special education records. Reevaluate eligible special education students according to state and federal laws and local procedures and guidelines. Collaborate with teachers, parents, and other school personnel. Develop and support the implementation of individualized programs that promote student achievement for students identified with a disability. Support students in mastering grade-level course standards by analyzing data from state assessments, curriculum-based assessments, and classroom information. Support school staff with effective implementation of the students individualized education plan.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Education: Certification Masters Degree Valid Teacher Certification Certification as Educational Diagnostician or Licensed Specialists in School Psychology Licensure by the Texas State Board of Examiners or Psychologist as a psychologist or certification as a psychological associate Certification by the National Association of School Psychologists as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist
Special Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge in the administration and interpretation of tests used to assess intellectual development, academic achievement, functional skills, and learning style. Knowledge of federal and state rules governing the education of students with disabilities. Knowledge of researched-based best practices for providing special-designed instruction for students with disabilities. Ability to case manage and collaborate in the best interest of students. Ability to communicate technical evaluation information to parents and teachers.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Instructional Management: Provide instructional recommendations based on data provided through a students full individual educational evaluation. Provide evidence-based interventions for academic settings. Consult and collaborate with campus educational teams to meet individual students educational needs.
Program Management: Receive student referrals and implement the evaluation and ARD processes within prescribed timelines. Select and administer formal and informal evaluation instruments regarding student eligibility for special education services according to federal and TEA regulations. Collect and organize relevant evaluation data from parents, teachers, school support staff, students, cumulative folder, and relevant outside resource people. Organize, participate, and distribute information as a member of the multidisciplinary team as appropriate. Participate in Admission Review and Dismissal ARD Committee meetings, correctly interpreting test data and assisting the committee in following District procedures and all laws and regulations. Compile, maintain, and file all reports and documents, whether physical or computerized, as required within specified timelines.
Maintain an efficient office operation. Encourage and support the development, implementation, and maintenance of specially designed instruction for students with disabilities. Collaborate with school district staff in scheduling instructional classes, supplemental aids, and services to enhance student achievement.
School Climate: Communicate and interpret the philosophy of the districts general education and special education programs effectively with parents, school personnel, and the community. Assist in the coordination of procedures for student evaluation and the Admission Review and Dismissal process. Relate to staff, students, and parents in ways that convey equality, mutual respect, and concern. Demonstrate skill in conflict resolution with administrators, parents, staff, teachers, and/or the community.
School Improvement: Conduct classroom observations. Conduct parent interviews. Assist classroom teachers with the implementation of the IEP. Stay current regarding research-based instructional practices. Facilitate the placement and success of students in the least restrictive environment. Provide staff development to assist school personnel in the identification, understanding, and teaching of students with disabilities. Provide assistance in special education programming for campus-level personnel so that overall performance is improved.
Work cooperatively with others in attaining district and special education program goals and objectives. Work cooperatively with campus transportation and central office personnel to ensure schools are following federal, state, and local regulations for special education.
Student Management: Frequently review campus data and inform principal and special education administrators of problems with over- or under-representation of ethnic groups. Monitor student records to ensure the ARD recommendation is being followed and inform campus administration and central office staff of needed changes. Collaborate in the decision-making process at the campus level and central office level to foster teaching and learning improvement. Maintain student management systems.
Professional Growth, Development, and Practices: Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment. Attend evaluation and assessment-related professional development opportunities. Actively participate on campus and district committees when requested. Maintain a professional and ethical manner as outlined in the Standards of Conduct for the Profession. Maintain mental and physical ability to perform job functions.
School-Community Relations: Act as an effective liaison among staff, parents, and community. Communicate and convey information with clarity regarding the districts programs.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Physical Demands: Ability to navigate school buildings frequently and independently. Sitting for long periods of time, repetitive hand movement, and fine motor dexterity. Maintain professionalism with all staff. Maintain emotional control and objectivity under stress. Perform tasks with frequent interruptions. Prolonged and careful attention to detail. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Will require frequent in-district travel. Prolonged use of computer. Bending, stretching, light lifting of boxes of supplies and materials. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.
Safety: Contribute to the prevention of accidents and injuries by observing safety rules and District policy. Practicing the principles and skills taught in safety training. Wearing personal protective equipment as required. Reporting injuries and incidents immediately to supervisor and being proactive in the ongoing efforts to improve and maintain workplace safety.
The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).