Friendship Public Charter School Hiring for Deputy Director of Special Education Program–Teaching and Learning at Washington, District Of Columbia Full Time

Friendship Public Charter School operates a thriving network of college preparatory public charter schools. Headquartered in Washington, DC. Friendship serves over 4,800 students in preschool to grade 12 and guides a growing network of alumni to college completion annually. Nearly 70% of students are deemed “at-risk” due to family poverty, homelessness or other complex risk factors and 100% of students are deemed eligible for free and reduced lunch due to community poverty. 98% are African American or Latino. The mission of Friendship Public Charter School (FPCS) is to prepare students to become ethical, literate, well-rounded and self-sufficient citizens by providing a world-class education that motivates students to reach high academic standards, to enjoy learning, to achieve success, and to contribute actively to their communities

• Regularly observes special education teachers at all campuses, coaches and provides feedback to strengthen and improve teaching practices.

• Regularly provides feedback to principals and other administrators on all special education classes/settings in the instructional program.

• Assists school administrators with hiring and placement of special education staff.

• Monitors performance of and supports special education coordinators, teachers/case managers and related service providers;

• Promotes integrated service delivery in inclusion classes, resource, and self contained settings.

• Plans, oversees and provides guidance for all special education placements outside of the LEA in non-public day or residential programs.

• Develops strategies to enhance special education performance on standardized tests;

• Collaborates with Director of SSST to establish, monitor, and supervise procedures for screening students for disabilities.

• Monitors the development and implementation of special education curriculums and supports in schools;

• Assesses and identifies special education program needs related to equipment, materials, personnel and curriculum;

• Manages appropriate federal and state grants;

• Serves as representative on the DC Special Education Cooperative;

• Prepares reports and makes recommendations to the Chief Academic Officer regarding instructional programming for all aspects of Special Education and Student Services, including the Special Education Annual Plan;

• Monitors and evaluates special education staff including dedicated aides and/or behavior intervention specialists;

• Plans and collaborates with outside mental/health agencies that provide direct student services;

• Provides overall direction and coordination efforts for the implementation of appropriate instructional programs in Special Education;

• Plans and coordinates efforts for the implementation of appropriate instructional programs in Special Education;

• Collaborates and assists in-house legal counsel on all legal matters involving Attorneys/Advocates representing students with disabilities; State Complaints; Due Process Complaints, Mediations and Due Process Hearings.Implements effective systems for adhering to compliance deadlines for students with IEPs with fidelity and supports Special Education Coordinators in implementing said systems

• Provides leadership to ensure understanding of and promote the educational program objectives of the district;

• Plans and coordinates the development, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum and the instructional program;

• Develops policies and procedures to govern the delivery of special education and related services including staff assignments;

• Plans and coordinates or facilitates the collection, interpretation, and use of data to inform decision making;

• Collaborates with Compliance Manager to develop policies and procedures to govern the delivery of special education and related services including staff assignments;

• In coordination with Academics, oversees implementation and use of standards-based curriculum and instructional materials for students in special education

• Other duties as assigned

• Masters in Special Education or a related field (PhD preferred).

• Certified in Special Education and/or School Leadership

• Must have 5+ years of successful experience as a public-school administrator and/or special education Coordinator/Case Manager with an expertise in Special Education in an urban district.

• Must have a demonstrated commitment to improving educational opportunities for students with special needs in an urban district.

• Must have experience as a public-school administrator or instructional coach and as a teacher with an expertise in Special Education (preferably in an urban school district).

• Must have an in-depth knowledge of the laws and regulations that govern special education

FPCS’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, status as a special disabled veteran, or any other protected criteria as established by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to recruitment and hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfer, layoff, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment. Employment decisions at FPCS are based solely upon relevant criteria, including an individual’s capabilities, qualifications, training, experience and suitability.

Vacancy for SY: 2023-24

External Company URL: www.friendshipschools.org

Street: 1400 1st Street , NW