Diagnostic Prescriptive (DP) Teacher (Testing Coordinator)

The Foundation Schools is a special education day school which delivers innovative school programs and support services for children and adolescents with emotional disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and other learning challenges. For over 40 years, the combination of academic support and therapeutic services has given our students a chance to reach their full potential. The Foundation Schools has schools in Gaithersburg, Largo and Landover, Maryland that serve over 200 students in grades K-12. We are currently accepting resumes for Diagnostic Prescriptive (DP) Teacher for our program in Landover for SY 2022-2023. This is a 12 month position.

The mission of The Foundation Schools is to provide a highly specialized educational and therapeutic program for students preparing them to be productive and successful in their future academic and career paths. The Foundation Schools employs special education strategies and techniques to provide quality instruction that results in the students’ mastery of approved curriculum and that promotes social, emotional and cognitive learning. We effectively manage student behavior through implementation of behavior management systems, school rules and policies.

Our Core Values’ provide a strong foundation for our programs, are integrated into our positive behavior intervention system, drive our actions and guide our staff and students daily to TWIRL (Teamwork, Work Ethic, Integrity, Respect, and Leadership). We offer a supportive working environment with small class sizes and excellent resources.

The Foundation Schools offers a comprehensive benefit package including tuition assistance and a generous retirement package. Visit our website at www.foundationschools.org for more information.

Education, Experience and Certification

• Master’s degree in education or special education is required Completion of courses related to testing and assessment MSDE certification or eligibility for MSDE certification required in special education Three or more years of experience in a special education setting preferred Experience in testing and/or assessments of students Knowledge of IDEA and its specific applications to educating students with special education needs and emotional and other disabilities preferred Bilingual (Spanish/English) abilities are a plus

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Manage all aspects of state mandated assessments to include meeting all pre and posttest administrative deadlines, maintaining test security, monitoring adherence to all testing protocols, ensuring all accommodations are provided and maintaining sufficient testing materials; work with the technology department to ensure all technology systems are available and working Interpret students’ testing, assessment data, education records, and IEP, and use the data to assist teachers in implementing differential instructional strategies and accommodations Conduct classroom observations and provide relevant feedback to staff about instructional and behavioral strategies and classroom practices; share information and observations with management team to improve school programing Maintain and communicate accurate records of student data, including IEP requirements, past educational history, and student transcripts to ensure that information regarding student accommodations and disability codes are entered into the database and disseminated to all staff Demonstrate knowledge of all educational interventions and resources; ensure teachers are using the resources in their classrooms Prepare and train all students and staff throughout the school year to ensure student readiness and proper staff administration and proctoring of state and district tests Assist the educational director(s) to ensure appropriate instructional materials for each subject and grade levels are available. Demonstrate knowledge of graduation requirements of all local school systems and requirements for all state mandated assessments Demonstrate knowledge of current special education regulations, and guidelines as they pertain to state assessments, testing, accommodations, IEPs, and instruction Assist with the interviewing, hiring, supervision, coaching, progressive counseling, and termination process for assigned staff and support staff; complete performance evaluations and individual goal creation and review for assigned staff Attend regularly scheduled departmental meetings and report to management team areas of concern Demonstrate an understanding of how our students’ disabilities impact their behavior and ability to learn; display knowledge of students’ diagnoses and adapt intervention strategies accordingly to meet the requirements of the students’ IEPs and BIPs Effectively manage student behavior through the implementation of the behavior management system, school rules, policies, and procedures; model appropriate behavior for the students during the school day Proactively identify behaviors among all students that could lead to a crisis, an unsafe situation or disrupt the learning environment; use effective behavior management techniques to address these behaviors in order to limit the severity and length of disruptions Proactively provide supervision of students to ensure the safety and security of the school program at all times Maintain student confidentiality in accordance with The Foundation Schools Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Statement and student record confidentiality procedures Demonstrate appropriate use of verbal de-escalation skills to manage student behaviors; utilize the behavior continuum in order to use or consider the use of the least restrictive behavioral interventions necessary; use effective, appropriate, and approved strategies during a crisis including the participation in seclusions, therapeutic holds, escorts, and student restraints when necessary; consistently and appropriately utilize and model TACT 2 techniques or classroom behavior management strategies Work with teachers, therapists, school leaders, and other team members to determine the student and/or classroom needs, and adjust interventions and practices to best meet those needs; work with team to develop interventions and/or incentive plans when appropriate Actively participate in committees, meetings, supervision, and professional development activities Consistently model and implement the organization’s core values to drive actions and to guide our students to incorporate Teamwork, Work Ethic, Integrity, Respect, and Leadership into positive behaviors Comply with all of The Foundation Schools’ policies, rules, protocols, and procedures Complete other duties as assigned