Facilitator, Ard

**JOB DESCRIPTION**

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**Job Title**

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**Facilitator, ARD**

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**Evaluation Type**

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**Professional**

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**Department**

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**Special Services and Programs**

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**Pay Grade**

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**A3**

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**FLSA**

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***Exempt**

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**Date Revised**

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**May 2023**

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**Supervisor**

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**Director of Special Education**

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**BASIC FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITY**: Implement, facilitate and supervise the special education ARD/IEP process. Collaborate with other professionals and parents in the ARD process. Work cooperatively with instructional personnel to develop the most appropriate programs for students with disabilities according to the federal requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.***

**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES**:
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- Knowledge of ARD procedures, education of special education students, curriculum requirements, state assessment, graduation requirements, and legal requirements of IDEA and Texas Education Code.****:

- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.****:

- Ability to manage conflict and maintain a student-centered focus.****:

- Ability to communicate effectively and professionally (verbal and written).

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**ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS**:
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- Master’s Degree****:

- Valid Texas teacher certificate with Special Education Certification or other related Special Education certification.

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**CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES**: The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities noted herein; however, this is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.***

**Management of Administrative, Fiscal and/or Facilities Functions**:
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- Identify need - schedule ARD meetings/staffings for: Annual Reviews, Failures Manifestation Determination Review, Graduation, Initials, Transfer and Permanent Placement meetings within district, state, and federal guidelines.

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- Monitor initial referral timelines, schedule and conduct initial ARD committee meetings within the required timelines set forth by Texas Education Code.

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- Investigate and interpret records from previous districts for transfer students to ensure that students are provided with a FAPE upon enrollment and to be prepared for the 30-day Permanent Placement ARD.

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- Respond to parent and staff requests for ARD meetings in accordance with federal, state, and local policies and procedures.

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- Collaborate with campus administrator(s) to schedule ARD meetings to ensure all required members are invited/excused/attend.

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- Collaborate with other professionals (assessment staff, interpreters, related service providers, outside agencies, etc.) and provide timely notifications of ARD meetings.

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- Inform agency representatives (DARS, BBT, etc.) of ARD meetings when appropriate and with consent from the parent/guardian/adult student.

***Confirm ARD meeting times/dates/location with parents and students, when appropriate.
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- Complete ARD notices and distribute copies to all parents with a legal responsibility for the child in accordance with Department of Special Education Services procedures.

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**ARD/IEP Meeting Facilitation**:
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- Maintain neutrality in facilitating ARD meetings while maintaining compliance with district-approved procedures.

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- Incorporate conflict management techniques when disagreements arise.

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- Utilize appropriate questioning techniques to build consensus within the committee members.

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- Ensure each member has the opportunity to participate.

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- Promote a positive, collaborative environment for ARD meetings.

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- Deal sensitively and fairly with persons from diverse cultural backgrounds.

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- Train and collaborate with families to ensure understanding of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards and the Guide to the ARD process.

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- Provide and utilize the district-provided ARD agenda to ensure all required items are covered
and committee members are prompted to report to the committee appropriately.

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- Utilize district and state provided resources/materials to prompt committee discussions or clarify misunderstandings.

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- Communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents.

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- Document ARD committee decisions within electronic IEP system.

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- Generate deliberations of meeting in accordance with guidelines set forth by the Department of Special Programs and Services.

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- Obtain appropriate parental consents (Medicaid, 5-day waivers, committee member excusal, etc.)

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**Monitoring and Compliance**:
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- **Maintain compliance with Initial, Annual, Graduation and Permanent Placement ARD due dates based on federal and state regulations.****:

- **Ensure that all required information is submitted into the electronic IEP system, including PLAAFPs, IEP goals,