Special Student Services in Texas

In support of the ultimate goal of Great Hearts, the guiding principle and mission of Special Student Services in Texas is to foster of our students’ perseverance through introspection and courage. The Special Student Services teams at each of our 18 academies in Texas support students across all instructional settings. General Education and Special Student Services faculty members work collaboratively to modify and adapt the Great Hearts core curriculum to serve the needs of students with disabilities. This model offers a framework, as well as autonomy, to the Special Education professional.

Special Student Services Roles and Applications:

 

Special Education Coordinators:  As Special Student Services campus leaders, they coordinate all aspects of the Child Centered Special Education Process on campus and ensure that the ARD/IEP process and the quality of programs for students with disabilities are in compliance with Federal, State, and Local requirements.

Special Education Teachers: Our Special Education teachers provide educational services to students with disabilities, responsible for planning, developing, delivering and evaluating appropriate individualized educational services, learning programs and instruction in both self – contained and integrated settings in consultation with other school personnel.

Special Student Services Teaching Assistants: Our teaching assistants help special education and ESL teachers provide for physical and instructional needs of English Language Learners and/or students with disabilities in special education setting, assist in implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs, and work under general supervision of the headmaster and immediate direction of certified teacher and/or Coordinator.

ESL Coordinators/Teachers: ESL Coordinators and Teachers implement procedures and coordinate the process to identify bilingual/ESL students at all grade levels, developing and revising bilingual and ESL curriculum as needed. They assist teachers to develop and provide bilingual and ESL students with appropriate course work through curriculum modification, accelerations, etc.

Licensed School Counselors: Our counselors provide responsive services to individual campuses and the community through district wide: Mental Health Wellness Initiatives, Crisis Management, Interventions for Targeted Students, Trainings, and Data Collection and Analysis.

504/MTSS Coordinators: The 504/MTSS Campus Coordinator will support the campus Section 504 program and to ensure provision of needed services.  He or she will also ensure compliance with all state, federal, and local Section 504 requirements.

Reading/Dyslexia Interventionists: Our interventionists teach students identified with dyslexia using instructional strategies utilize an individualized, intensive, multi-sensory, phonetic approach and a variety of writing and spelling components; provide students the opportunity to make significant gains in reading; and develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.

Math Interventionists: Our interventionists teach students identified with dyslexia using instructional strategies utilize an individualized, intensive, multi-sensory, phonetic approach and a variety of writing and spelling components; provide students the opportunity to make significant gains in reading; and develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.

Special Education Clerks: The role of the clerk involves supporting program staff with clerical tasks, organizing student records, tracking compliance timelines, and coordinating meetings, assessments, and evaluations. Additionally, responsibilities include maintaining confidentiality, communicating with service providers, assisting teachers, and ensuring accurate dissemination of updated student plans.