Program Director of Special Services For Educational Options[BASAS 9A](SY24-25)

Boston Public Schools seeks an exceptional Program Director of Special Services for Educational Options (BASAS 9A) (SY 24-25) who is highly qualified and knowledgeable to support the improvement of student outcomes and strengthen the engagement of families as partners; as well as collaborate with the Head of Schools and Program Directors of our Alternative Education Schools and Programs as well as the staff from the Re-Engagement Center. 

The Program Director of Special Education will work in collaboration with the Director of Educational Options/Alternative Education in carrying out all Chapter 28 regulatory responsibilities required for maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations and court orders.  It is expected that the Program Director for Special Education will improve the quality of instruction for all students with disabilities, assist in the professional development activities for both regular and special education staff, and contribute to the overall culture of the alternative schools and programs as an agent of change committed to progressive educational reform and meeting the needs of all students in a rigorous academic environment.

In addition, The Program Director of Special Services for Educational Options, will assist in the placement of students with disabilities referred to the Re-Engagement Center seeking a placement into an alternative education school/program. The Program Director will…

• Engage families and students with disabilities as partners in planning, problem solving, and provide assistance with the transition and placement into an alternative school or program. 
• Work with families and students who have an Individual Educational Plan to understand their choice in selecting an alternative school/program make recommendations on which schools and/or programs are better suited to serve the needs of the student.
• Work collaboratively with school administrators, faculty and staff in the placement of students with disabilities into an alternative education school and/or program. 
• Coordinate, access, and support the continuum of settings and array of services for students with disabilities and students placed-at-risk within the alternative network of schools and programs. 

Responsibilities:

1. Assists the in implementation of all special education programs, including but not limited to the coordination of the development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students referred for Chapter 28 services, testing, running meetings, and the creation and implementation of 504s and 688s and, in carrying out all Chapter 28 regulations and court orders. 
2. Develops and implements integrative/inclusive programs within the school working with school leadership to evaluate and monitor their effectiveness in terms of quality service to students. Work with staff members, both in the classroom and in professional development opportunities, to support differentiated instruction. 
3. Assists in planning the implementation of literacy programs and behavior intervention models to support alignment of citywide learning standards with effective teaching practices. 
4. Model, co-teach, and observe in classes. 
5. Provide feedback and suggestions to support teachers in their efforts to support a range of learners. 
6. Support the creation and implementation of portfolios. 
7. Assume a lead role in the professional development activities of special education and regular education teachers to improve instruction for all special education students. 
8. Oversees the development and coordination of curriculum goals and objectives and distribution of instructional materials for the school's special education programs. 
9. Work with families to increase their engagement in their child's school experience. 
10. Maintains responsive lines of communication among students, parents, and staff involved with special education programs. 
11. Support improved attendance and timeliness, homework completion, classroom on-task behavior, etc. 
12. Work collaboratively with school administrators, faculty and staff to ensure consistent implementation of the school-based rules and the Code of Conduct 
13. Perform other responsibilities as designated by the Office of Specialized Services and The Department of Educational Options/Alternative Education. 

Qualifications: Required: 

1. Culturally competent and multilingual. Experience working in urban high schools and/or working in an alternative education setting. 
2. Ability to work with a diverse academic, socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds of district students;
3. Actively creates and maintains an environment in which students’ diverse backgrounds, identities, strengths, and challenges are respected.
4. Strong knowledge of school improvement strategies.
5. Regularly reflects on practice, seeks and responds to feedback, and demonstrates self awareness and commitment to continuous learning and development.
6. Strong ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions;
7. Demonstrated experience with project management, including meeting tight deadlines to successfully achieve goals
8. Master's Degree in education with a concentration in Special Education Administration and/or a related field 
9. Massachusetts Supervisor/Director license or Administrator of Special Education Provisional with Advanced Standing or Standard 
10. Three (3) years teaching experience 
11. Massachusetts teacher license in special education 
12. An understanding of 
13. Experience and training in the supervision and evaluation of teachers/as a professional developer 
14. Demonstrated leadership qualities, interpersonal skills, and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, teachers, administrators, and parents

Qualifications Preferred: 

1. Interest in working in fast-paced environment and ability to manage multiple responsibilities with humor and enthusiasm
2. Experience with and/or knowledge of educational reform
3. Experience with and knowledge of advising programs 
4. Knowledge of MA Curriculum Frameworks, Vocational Frameworks and Assessments
5. Experience developing or working within both an inclusion model and a learning center model

Terms: BASAS 9A