Prodeo Academy

Start Date: 2024-2025 School Year

Location: Columbia Heights & St. Paul Campuses

Reports to: Director of Special Education

OVERVIEW

Prodeo Academy, a network of public charter schools serving the Twin Cities, is a meaningful education solution closing the opportunity gap through data-driven instruction in a culture based on a foundation of five core values: Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Development, and Engagement. Shared expectations around these values enhance the opportunity for our scholars to reach their full potential. We are looking for team members committed to helping our students access greater opportunities, achieve future success, and contribute to the vitality of our community.

VISION FOR POSITION

The School Psychologist will lead the identification and referral services for all students and families across Prodeo’s network, which supports student achievement, focuses on inclusion, and provides for the necessary legal mandates. The School Psychologist will collaborate with the Network Director of Special Education, as well as Deans of Specialized Instruction, and Prodeo’s external partner, Creatively Focused, in monitoring and coordinating the network’s due process rules and regulations and to assure that these procedures are in compliance with state and federal regulations with regard to special education for children with disabilities and to implement special education services which are in compliance with appropriate services for student with disabilities. This leader is directly responsible for special education student growth, including meeting IEP goals and academic and social-emotional progress towards assessment goals and proficiency.

POSITION FUNCTIONS

  1. Identification and referral services.
    1. When a principal, teacher, other staff members, or parent has a concern about the emotional/ mental health needs of a student, the school psychologist will collect information and conduct interviews to identify the nature, extent, and parameters of the presenting problem. After collecting the necessary information, the school psychologist will assist in determining an appropriate outside agency (which will provide services for the remediation of the presenting problem) and will work with those involved to arrange for such services.
    2. The school psychologist may provide behavioral skills instruction, social skills instruction, or counseling as a related service to students on IEPs with social-emotional concerns. The purpose will be to further define the nature and scope of a problem and develop services to address the concern. The service must address an IEP goal, and data must support its continuation or be used to develop a new goal.
  2. Special Education Leadership across the Prodeo Network of schools.
    1. The school psychologist will attend Child Study Team and Special Education Department meetings led by the Director of Special Education and Deans of Specialized Instruction.
    2. The school psychologist will provide consultation on due process to staff and parents.
    3. The school psychologist will participate in the evaluation of special education services.
    4. The school psychologist will supervise the evaluation and reevaluation process for all students referred for special education evaluation.
    5. The school psychologist will administer the required intellectual ability tests for current and potential special education students when necessary.
    6. The school psychologist will participate in and assist with facilitating transition planning, including attending IEP conferences (as needed), for children moving from ECSE programs to kindergarten, elementary to secondary, or from building to building (depending on the district).
    7. The school psychologist will assist special education staff with reviewing data on IEP goals and designing appropriate interventions.
  3. Applied Behavior Analysis.
    1. The school psychologist will participate in social behavior assessments and provide psychological assessments when deemed appropriate by the Child Study Team.
    2. The school psychologist will conduct a functional behavior analysis for students when this is required.
    3. The school psychologist will gather and organize data to assist teams in making a manifestation determination when this is needed. The school psychologist may participate in a manifestation determination meeting.
    4. The school psychologist will provide behavior analyst services to special education staff when students need this service.
    5. The school psychologist will write Positive Behavior Support Plans or assist special education staff in writing them when this service is needed.
    6. The school psychologist will conduct bus behavior assessments and plan appropriate interventions when this service is needed for students with disabilities.
  4. Curriculum-Based Evaluation.
    1. School Psychologists will assist teachers with conducting Curriculum-Based Evaluations when this service is needed.
  5. Other Duties.
    1. The Director of Special Education may assign other duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

    • Strong leadership skills in facilitating group processes and team building.
    • Communication skills in a variety of settings and experiences.
    • Knowledge and skills in due process compliance and accountability.
    • Knowledge and skills in program assessment, design, delivery, and evaluation.
    • Understanding of special education trends and changes in IDEA and federal and state rules and regulations.
    • Excellent time management skills and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
    • Tolerance for ambiguity, tenacity with follow-up, and creativity in the development of the individual building needs, while seeing the “larger” version of the district.
    • Ability to work with parents/families and students, staff, and support staff in problem-solving strategies.
    • Ability to engage in problem-solving and conflict resolutions.
    • Ability to prioritize and manage the volume of requests and responsibilities.
    • Leadership in supervising program and paraprofessionals.

    EDUCATION AND DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

    • Education/Certification Requirements: MN Department of Education licensure as a school psychologist, a “limited” internship license is accepted, and supervision can be provided, so interns are encouraged to apply.
    • Physical Effort Required: Position requires extended periods of standing when teaching or leading an activity; infrequently bends, stoops, and/or sits on the floor for extended periods to provide instruction one-to-one assistance with students. Occasionally requires extended periods of sitting during meetings and desk work to perform keyboarding activities for class preparation, grading, and related special education paperwork—occasional lifting of students or equipment up to 40 lbs.
    • Mental Effort Required: Position requires working with interruptions, classroom noise, handling multiple tasks, and organizing and prioritizing work assignments. Position often employs strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills in dealing with students, staff, and parents.
    • Machines, Tools, Equipment, Electronic Devices, Software Required: Operates a computer with grading, word processing, e-mail, and due process and data management software programs. Operates phone, copier, calculator, fax, printers, doc camera, Smart Board (or like equipment), other electronic resources available to staff, and assistive technology, as needed, by special needs students.

    COMPENSATION

    Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience.

    Prodeo Academy is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We are committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and encourage applications from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.

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