FY27: Instructional Specialist, Special Education Central Placement Unit, 1.0 FTE

Summary Description:
Under direction of the associate superintendent of the Division of Specialized Support Services, and the Central Placement Unit Coordinator, the instructional specialist schedules, facilitates and chairs Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meetings for students with disabilities. Provides technical support regarding the online Individualized Education Program (IEP) tool and training on special education services. Establishes processes for student referrals, transition planning and options for lesser restrictive environments. Develops IEPs, case manages, and monitors student achievement and the delivery of services for students with disabilities who are enrolled in private separate day schools, non-public schools and residential schools. Participates in mediation and due process hearings as needed. Serves on state monitoring teams for private special education facilities to ensure compliance with the Code of Maryland Regulations. Collaborates with interagency staff in developing plans of care for students with significant disabilities. Collaborates with staff in other MCPS units to ensure students receive appropriate special education services in the least restrictive environment. Physical Demands: None Special Requirements: In-county and in-state travel required. Out-of-state travel may be required.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Thorough knowledge of the mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Code of Maryland Regulations governing the identification, evaluation, re-evaluation and provision of special education services and related services to children and youth with educational disabilities. Understands the continuum of special education and related services. Knowledge of curriculum, grading and reporting standards, Maryland Assessment Program, transition services and positive behavioral intervention strategies. Ability to interpret standardized assessment data. Ability to work effectively with parents, administrators, field office staff, school-based staff, special education coordinators, special education instructional specialists and service providers. Ability to build linkages and partnerships with interagency staff, transition support teachers, and private special education day and residential school staff. Excellent organization, communication and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of or the ability to quickly learn and apply the six performance standards established for the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Teacher Professional Growth System (TPGS).

Education, Training, Experience:
�Master?s degree from an accredited college or university in special education or related field with coursework in instructional strategies, curriculum development, administration and supervision. A minimum of five years? experience teaching students with disabilities, developing Individualized Education Programs, and implementing curriculum-based assessment. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position, may be considered.Certificate and License Requirements: Meets Maryland state certification requirements for special education teacher, speech pathologist, or related fields.�