About the position
The Educational Diagnostician at Manara Leadership Academy is responsible for implementing the special education assessment process for students referred to special education services. This role involves assessing the educational and learning styles of students, as well as determining their program needs. The diagnostician will provide diagnostic information and collaborate with instructional personnel to ensure that students with disabilities receive the most appropriate educational programs. The position requires a Master's degree in educational assessment, a valid Texas teaching certificate, and a valid Texas educational diagnostician certificate. The diagnostician must possess knowledge of diagnostic procedures, special education, human development, and learning theories, along with excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. The primary duties include receiving student referrals and conducting assessments to determine eligibility for special education services in accordance with federal and Texas Education Agency regulations. The diagnostician will collect and organize relevant assessment data from various sources, including cumulative folders, classroom teachers, parents, and outside resources. They will also conduct classroom observations and personal interviews, participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee meetings, and assist in the development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs). In addition to assessment duties, the diagnostician will provide staff development training to school personnel, assist teachers with IEP implementation, and consult with parents regarding their children's educational needs. They will also manage the assessment program, maintain effective relationships with students and parents, and ensure compliance with federal and state laws, as well as local policies. The role requires maintaining emotional control under stress, regular travel to multiple work locations, and the ability to lift and transfer students with physical disabilities as needed.
Responsibilities
- Receive student referrals and implement the assessment and evaluation process.
- Select and administer formal and informal assessments to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and Texas Education Agency regulations.
- Collect and organize relevant assessment data from student's cumulative folder, classroom teachers, principal, support staff, parents, and outside resource people.
- Conduct classroom observation and personal interviews.
- Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and development of Individual Education Plans (IEP) for students according to district procedures.
- Provide staff development training in assigned schools to assist school personnel in identification and understanding of students with disabilities.
- Assist classroom teachers with implementation of IEP.
- Consult parents concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of assessment data.
- Consult parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant individuals to enhance their work with students.
- Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
- Assist in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
- Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the assessment program and make changes based on findings.
- Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
- Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the areas of assessment, placement, and planning for special education services.
- Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.
- Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
- Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
- Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.
Requirements
- Master's degree in educational assessment.
- Valid Texas teaching certificate.
- Valid Texas educational diagnostician certificate.
- Knowledge of diagnostic procedures, education of special education students, human development, and learning theories.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience working in an ISD/Charter school.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Loan forgiveness
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
