Special Education

Our clerks play an important role on our team as they are the most frequent contact for our families and they keep our ARD schedules running smoothly.  Clerk responsibilities include the following:

• Accept requests to schedule ARD/IEP meetings (Transfer, Annual, Brief/Revision) from ARD/IEP writers via email.

• Contact parents to schedule  ARD/IEP meetings.

• Create and archive ARD/IEP meeting invitation/notice. Coordinate Zoom link with ARD Facilitator as appropriate.

• Send ARD/IEP meeting invitation, Notice of Procedural Safeguards, and Receipt of Procedural Safeguards to parent/guardian. 

• Communicate with ARD facilitator to share documents with the parent/guardian. 

• Share ARD information with teachers through system. 

• Assist Special Education team with sending and receiving of documents from outside agencies. 

The ARD Facilitator or ARD Manager serves in the valuable role of maintaining a flow of discussion that is aligned with the ARD agenda while ensuring that all voices are heard.  ARD Facilitator responsibilities include the following:

•  Work with campus administrators to schedule ARD meetings. 

• Collaborate with the Clerk and ARD Committee to request an ARD meeting. 

• Prepare documents for ARD meetings.

• Complete all appropriate supplements other than the supplements that case managers complete for ARD/IEP meetings. 

• Facilitate ARD meeting for Annual, Re-eval/ Annual, and Re-eval DNQ ARDs. 

• Communicate to Clerk that documents are ready to process and send to parent and teachers.

Our assessment staff plays a valuable role in support of our students and campuses.  They work with campuses to manage referrals for evaluation, determine eligibility for special education services, and support teachers in development of individual education plans.  Assessment staff responsibilities include the following:

• Receive evaluation requests from RTI committee or parent. 

• Record review and contacting the parent or guardian to discuss educational concerns. If appropriate, gain consent for evaluation, sharing of information with outside agencies, and Medicaid as applicable. 

• Communicate with the evaluation team to complete evaluations. 

• Complete evaluations and re-evaluations. 

• Communicate with parents and campus upon completion of evaluation to review the report prior to the ARD. 

• Work with Clerk and campus team to schedule a staffing to review evaluation with campus staff. 

Our Service Providers play a valuable role in support of our students and campuses.  They wear many hats as they may also serve as Assessment staff. Some Service Providers also facilitate initial ARD meetings and serve as case managers.  Service Providers work with campuses to manage schedules of service, work directly with students, monitor student progress, and collaborate with teachers to support students in both the general education and special education settings.  Service Provider responsibilities include the following:

• Collaborate with campus administrators and teachers to develop service schedules and coordinate services and implementation of accommodations.

• Attend staffing meetings and ARD meetings for students served.

• Prepare appropriate ARD documents prior to ARD. Document communication with parents related to ARD documents. Contribute to PLAAFP and other necessary supplements and sections of the ARD as a case manager and/or service provider.

• Complete and archive goals from previous ARD prior to creating new goals for the upcoming annual ARD meeting.

• Send draft goals to parents/guardians for review no later than 2 days before the ARD meeting date.

• Complete progress notes at grading period intervals. Send progress notes to parents no later than 2 days after report cards are sent home.

• Communicate with the ARD Facilitator if an ARD, Revision ARD, or amendment is needed.

• Maintain attendance records and data for progress monitoring. 

• Provide services to students as outlined in the ARD document.

Every student receiving special education services has a Case Manager. This person serves in the following roles:

• Communication with school personnel and families,

• Prepare information for IEP/ARD meetings,

• Monitor student progress and ensure implementation of accommodations,

• Ensures appropriate implementation of IEP.

Case managers communicate with families to establish lines of communication and expectations for student success.  They are often serving as a provider of services to the student. They are valuable members of the student's team who work to ensure that all stakeholders are considered to maximize student growth.