• Job Description

  Req#: MANAG016974

  Company Summary

  Michigan Connections Academy (MICA) is a tuition-free, online public school serving students in grades K–12 throughout Michigan. MICA is authorized by Ferris State University Charter Schools Office and governed by an independent Board of Directors. The school is operated by Michigan Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with CA of Michigan, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by AdvancED.

  Position Summary

  The Manager of Special Education will oversee all aspects of educational service delivery for our students with special education needs. The Manager of Special Education will ensure that the school operates in compliance with all state and federal regulations, and data is collected, stored, and updated in a manner that meets all compliance expectations. The Manager of Special Education will ensure that the school is providing appropriate programs in the least restrictive environment for all students with special needs. This will include management of the pre-referral and IEP processes, maintaining student data, communicate with parents, and ensure that the school always operates in compliance with special education law and procedures.

  Responsibilities

  • Monitor compliance with special education processes and timelines across all schools. Interpret and articulate special education regulations, policies, and procedures to principal, teachers, and parents to ensure compliance;
  • Develop standardized processes, forms and protocols for all special education procedures;
  • Establish and maintain a database of and relationships with school districts, intermediate units, private providers, community agencies, mental health clinics, etc.;
  • Establish procedures for placement, evaluation, assignment and re-evaluation of students regarding the special education services program;
  • Oversee and/or implement all aspects of student referrals, 504 or IEP development, diagnostic assessments, and annual/tri-annual reviews. Institute and maintain a documentation system within the Learning Management System that captures and organizes all such data;
  • Conduct all school-based special education related meetings;
  • Coordinate the set-up and delivery of IEP-mandated direct services to students, whether through direct in-house teacher support or contracted services with school districts or other qualified agencies;
  • Oversee the development, tracking, dissemination and proper implementation of 504 or IEP-mandated accommodations for students with special needs during state testing events;
  • Coordinate implementation and proper administration of the Student Support Team (SST) process. Participate in SST meetings as required;
  • Collaborate with the school team concerning all facets of programming for students with special needs, from pre-referral intervention to transition and dismissal;
  • Work directly with parents, as needed, to answer questions and ensure that all school actions are in compliance, and are in the interest of maximizing student learning in the Least Restrictive Environment;
  • Develop a good working knowledge of Michigan Connections Academy’s curricular options, and how they can be adapted and implemented to meet specific student needs; Introduce new ways of supporting special needs students in a virtual environment;
  • Plan, implement, and evaluate staff in-service activities;
  • Coordinate and support summer school offerings for special education students;
  • Ability to maintain up-to-date knowledge of current theory, research, methodology and legislation in appropriate fields of assignment regarding Special Education;
  • Assist with ensuring staff certification compliance (i.e. temporary approvals and alternative track completers);
  • Oversee the EL Program working with the EL teacher to ensure compliance according to district policies and procedures;
  • Coordinate and implement state testing for WIDA and pre identification for EL students and monitor accommodations for school wide state testing;
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the School Leader

  Requirements

  • Master’s Degree with a focus in Special Education or administration
  • Valid Michigan Teaching Certification with full approval or endorsement in at least one area of special education from Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education (MDE, OSE). Except as otherwise provided by law, the Academy shall use certificated teachers according to state board rule.
  • Michigan School Administration Certification
  • Approval as a Michigan Supervisor of Special Education or the ability to obtain approval
  • Michigan Residency Required
  • Three years of successful professional practice or administrative experience in special education or a combination of practice and experience
  • Must meet all continuing education requirements as defined by MDE
  • Expertise in special education law and compliance
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
  • Customer focused approach
  • High degree of flexibility
  • Demonstrated ability to work well in fast paced environment
  • Technologically proficient (especially with Microsoft Office and Google Suite products)
  • Experience in policy (IDEA) and/or administration with Special Education
  • Travel and attendance at in-person events, including State Testing is required throughout the school year, as determined by the school. There will also be required, out of state, in-person conferences, resulting in overnight travel
  • Ability to work some occasional evening hours, as needed to support some families

  • Must be able to use a personal electronic device and an email address for two-step authentication.

  Equal Opportunity Employer
  This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

• About the company

  Connections Academy is a for-profit corporate provider of online school products and services to virtual schools for grades K-12, including full-time online schools bearing the "Connections Academy" name across the country.

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