Director for Special Programs

QUALIFICATIONS:

  Education/Certification Required:

Master’s Degree Texas Mid-Management or Supervisor’s Certificate

Experience Required:

Three years teaching experience Three years successful experience in school administration

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Demonstrates leadership capabilities Possesses creative thinking and problem-solving abilities Maintains high standards and expectations for self/others and provides motivation for excellence in performance/productivity Demonstrates knowledge of current educational research and innovations, as well as federal, state and local requirements related to curriculum and instructional programs Relates positively to others and serves as a role model in working with all district staff/community members to promote quality instructional programs Demonstrates ability to manage budget and personnel

Technology Proficiency : Level 2 (Applied)

Computer operations Software productivity tools E-mail Printers Job-related financial and student management system Electronic file management Technology applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) District Acceptable Use Policy and Technology Ethics/Etiquette applications FUNCTION:

The Director for Special Programs is a member of the Curriculum and Instruction team and is primarily responsible for supervising the planning, coordination and implementation of special programs within local, state, and federal requirements. The Special Programs office includes Bilingual/ESL Education, Title I, Part C: Migrant Education, Title III, Part A, Office of Indian Education Grant, Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth Grant (TEHCY) and Texas Hurricane Homeless Children and Youth Grant. Responsibilities include the immediate supervision of the Bilingual/ESL Specialist, Migrant Education Case Manager, Homeless Case Manager and support staff in the Office of Special Programs. Duties include providing support to campus and central office staff in the implementation of special programs and to plan and initiate appropriate activities to support the written goals and objectives of the District. The Director is also responsible for ensuring the identification, school enrollment, school attendance and opportunities for academic success of students in homeless situations and ensures that the District is in compliance with the Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth policies. Also, supports and oversees the Office of Educational Services for Students in Transition by linking the homeless and foster students and their families to schools and community services and informing them of their educational opportunities and rights

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & REQUIREMENTS:

INSTRUCTIONAL MANAGEMENT:

Directs the planning, coordination and management of the Office of Special Programs which includes Bilingual Education, Title I, Part C: Migrant Education, Title III, Part A, Office of Indian Education Grant, and Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth Grant (TEHCY) and Texas Hurricane Homeless Children and Youth Grant and ensures that the programs implemented by this office are in compliance with local, state and federal requirements. Develops and maintains a system for identifying and communicating funding sources for District and campus initiatives. Coordinates and prepares the submission of the ESSA: Every Student Succeeds Act application and compliance for Title I, Part C Migrant, Title III, Part A, and Office of Indian Education Grant with the appropriate District offices and campus staff. Submit amendments as required to the Texas Education Agency. Defines expectations for staff performance regarding instructional, curricular and support duties. Coordinates the duties of Office of Special Program staff in selecting state-adopted textbooks and other instructional materials for use in the Bilingual/ESL program. Administers the writing, editing and revising of curriculum materials for use in special programs in compliance with local, state and federal requirements. Supports the Campus Advisory Team (CAT), counselors, and faculties to implement special programs and to disseminate current research and proven strategies that improve student achievement for the targeted student population. Conducts meetings with the Office of Special Program staff and other staff as appropriate. Plan/Coordinate District-Wide Summer School Programs: Bilingual, Homeless Summer Learning Program. Identification of facilities Develop and disseminate program brochures, flyers, and registration forms Collaborate with the Office of Certified Personnel to ensure properly certified staff is hired for various positions. Coordinate all district services such as transportation, food services, technology, SPED, and maintenance. Monitor the programs implementation and support campus summer school coordinators to ensure that programs support students in language acquisition and acceleration for academic success.

SCHOOL/ORGANIZATIONAL CLIMATE

Communicates and promotes high expectations for staff and campus performance. Collaborates with appropriate staff members to foster effective decision-making, high morale and enthusiasm in the organization. Maintains a positive work environment, recognizes various roles and functions within the District, and supports each campus organization. Delegates/completes assignments in an appropriate manner to achieve organizational goals. Values the staff and organization as evidenced by continuous efforts to provide a climate conducive to meeting/exceeding the established mission and goals.

SCHOOL/ORGANIZATIONAL IMPROVEMENT:

Initiates changes to improve special programs based on current research and knowledge of Texas Education Agency and federal requirements. Evaluates and makes recommendations for modifications of existing special programs and for implementation of innovative instructional models. Serves in an advisory capacity to local campuses in the achievement of their campus improvement plans related to Special Programs. Analyzes data for special programs and evaluates research studies to support recommendations for these District programs and to provide technical assistance to the campuses.

PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT:

Supervises, coordinates and evaluates the efforts and activities of the Office of Special Programs, program specialists case managers, and support staff, and serves as a liaison between the Chief Instructional Support Officer and the case managers and program specialists. Serves as a positive role model and works cooperatively with others in designing and promoting quality instructional programs. Screening and interviewing for the selection of personnel.

ADMINISTRATION AND FISCAL/FACILITIES:

Supervises and monitors the budget development and management for Special Programs for which the office has budget responsibility and approves requisitions to ensure that they are within local, state and federal requirements. Directs the preparation of applications, amendments and reports for the Office of Special Programs and grants implemented by the office. Coordinates the preparation of budgets and budget transfers for funded programs with the Office of Finance. Directs the collection, compilation and maintenance of district wide data for special programs that are necessary for preparing District and state reports and for ensuring that these special programs comply with state and federal requirements.

STUDENT MANAGEMENT:

Facilitates consistent, equitable student management plans through staff development or on-site technical assistance. Ensures that student and their parents have access to community services and informs them of their educational opportunities and rights according to the McKinney-Veto Assistance Act. Collaborates with the District Homeless Case Manager in order to ensure that identification, school enrollment, school attendance and opportunities for academic success are obtainable for student in homeless situations and case managers. Evaluates the academic and educational needs of the students serviced in Special Programs. Provides technical instruction for conferences with parents, students, and teachers concerning school and student issues.

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT:

Keeps abreast of current research and significant developments related to education. Serves as a liaison and coordinator of staff development programs planned by the Office of Special Programs and Bilingual/ESL Specialists, case managers and staff. Provide training to both teachers and Directors in improving instructional techniques, developing new approaches in teaching and using materials and equipment that are responsive to student needs. Performs duties in a professional, ethical and responsible manner as defined in District policy and in the Texas Education Agency Code of Ethics for Educators.

SCHOOL/COMMUNITY RELATIONS:

Disseminates information related to District grants and special programs through publications and verbal presentations to the Board of Trustees, administrative staff, community groups and parent and student organizations. Serves as a liaison to civic groups on projects related to District and special programs. Promotes positive relations with school personnel, parents and the general public, leading to a better understanding of District grants and special programs. Disseminates information concerning the District’s special programs at the local and regional levels. Assumes leadership responsibilities in professional organizations. Performs other job-related duties as assigned by the Chief Instructional Support Officer.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervises and evaluates the performance of the program specialist, and support staff in the Office of Special Programs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); ability to prepare and control budgets; interpret policy, procedures and data; coordinate district functions; maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent district wide and occasional statewide travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours.

The preceding statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Job Description Updated 4/16/2024

REPORTS TO/SUPERVISES:

REPORTS TO: Chief Instructional Support Officer

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