Special Education Reform Team: DCPS Chancellor's Office

Reply to: susan.cheng@dc.gov

Job Opportunities with the Special Education Reform Team (SERT), DC Public Schools Office of the Chancellor... Come make a huge difference on an exciting team in the field of public education reform!

BACKGROUND: DC PUBLIC SCHOOLS TRANSFORMATION
On June 12, 2007, Mayor Fenty assumed control over the District of Columbia Public Schools. As the Washington Post’s Editorial Board said “There is a can-do quality in him that suggests the government can be reformed, that schools can be rebuilt and that institutions in this city can come together to improve people’s lives. He offers a vision of the City that challenges the best in people.” As his first official act in his role over the public school system, Mayor Fenty appointed Michelle Rhee as Chancellor. Chancellor Rhee brings more than a decade of innovative education experience, dedicating her career to improving public education in urban communities. Most recently, she served as chief executive officer and president of The New Teacher Project. In serving 50,000 students, Chancellor Rhee inherits one of the largest and most challenged public school systems in the nation. “There is a unique opportunity to effect significant systemic change in the District of Columbia to ensure that all children in this city get an excellent education,” said Chancellor Rhee at a press conference. “I believe this city and the school district have tremendous potential.”

EXCITING JOB OPPORTUNITIES: SPECIAL EDUCATION REFORM
The Special Education Reform Team (SERT), under the authority of the Office of the Special Assistant to the Chancellor, oversees compliance with a governing agreement rising out of a class action lawsuit. The agreement specifically encompasses the timely implementation of due process hearings and subsequent hearing officer decisions or settlement agreements. Ultimately, in addressing these areas of concern, DC Public Schools will have the opportunity to provide lasting special education reform of local and national importance. As an experienced, multi-disciplinary team, the SERT is responsible for strategizing and implementing complex reform projects in the fields of law, special education and data management. All SERT members must be team players with strong qualitative and quantitative analytical skills who are extremely detail-oriented, skilled in project management and able to use Microsoft Suite programs effectively (including Powerpoint, Excel, and Word).

The SERT will consist of 6 positions that we are looking to fill:

- 3 SENIOR POLICY ASSOCIATES (up to 80K): Master’s, JD, or above. Professionals with 5 or more years of experience in their field. Ideally looking for lawyers, public policy analysts, business analysts, special education specialists, education experts, and program managers. o Experience in special education or serving people with disabilities. o Experience in implementing high-level, high stakes projects o Data management, legal experience or special education expertise, pref. o Commitment to children with disabilities and their families

-3 JUNIOR PROJECT COORDINATORS (up to 65k): Three or more years of work experience, strong management skills required o Must possess strong organizational, project management and people skills and the ability to work simultaneously on a variety of diverse projects. o Commitment to children with disabilities and their families

SERT RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
-Independently working with employees of DCPS and outside agencies to undertake special education research projects;
-Analyzing and presenting demographic, legal and structural information associated with special education;
-Determining potential courses of action on given projects, such as the creation of a parent service center, case management system or pilot special education programs; -Systematizing successful operational methods and providing avenues of evaluation and support to the Office of Special Education;
-Commenting on proposed legislation, policies, procedures, and directives affecting special education with regards to special education litigation directly for the Office of the Chancellor;
-Maintaining high-level contacts with the departments of human resources, budget and procurement as necessary when projects are staffed and funded;
-Implementing assigned projects using well-developed problem-solving abilities; and
-Supporting the mission and guiding principles of DCPS, including serving children as a first priority and being responsive and accountable.

IDEAL CANDIDATES WILL:
•Possess an interest in working on long-term organizational strategy
•Be detail-oriented, able to set up detailed work plans and meet tight deadlines
•Possess excellent communication skills in dealing with a wide variety of stakeholders
•Be flexible in managing multi-dimensional projects and willing to shift between projects to accommodate the needs of a dynamic transformation effort.
•Relentlessly pursue means of improving education for all students including improving central office performance, school leadership, school operations, and data on student performance.
•Preferably possess experience in education or disability services and/or knowledge of special education or disability services management information systems.

TO APPLY: (DEADLINE JAN 11!)
Please email your resume and cover letter to susan.cheng@dc.gov by January 11, 2008. Please specify which position you would like to apply for - Senior Policy Associate or Junior Project Coordinator in your cover letter.

Send your materials to:
Susan Cheng
Program Manager, Human Capital
District of Columbia Public Schools Office of the Chancellor
202-442-5010 susan.cheng@dc.gov