Upland Unified School District                                                          January 28, 2005

READING SPECIALIST

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Reading Specialist supplements the reading instruction provided in regular classes by working with individual children or with small groups of children who have been identified as needing specific reading instruction.  The Reading Specialist reports to the Principal and/or Director of Elementary Education and works closely with teachers in identifying students, planning lessons, providing staff development, and organizing classrooms for reading instruction.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Provides remedial programs for pupils who have not achieved reading competency commensurate with their potential. E

Refers children who need special remedial help to professional personnel for specialized services, working closely with classroom, speech, and special education personnel. E

Assists the principal and teachers in planning the reading program for the school. E

Uses student performance data in working with staff to develop site goals and plans for improvement of reading/language arts. E

Works with the principal and leadership team to monitor the implementation of the District standards and benchmarks. E

Facilitates staff development and the dissemination of materials, which support the reading program.  E

Plan and provide staff development for certificated and classified personnel.

Assist with the planning and coordination of the district English Language Arts program.  E

EDUCATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge of instructional strategies, e.g., direct instruction, English language development strategies, school climate and culture, and knowledge and understanding of reading practices, research and methodologies.

Ability to plan and implement new reading related programs, provide effective coaching and technical feedback, assess school climate and culture as they affect the learning environment, provide professional staff development in the field of reading, work successfully with administrators, teachers, students, and parents, and speak and write clearly and effectively.

A Valid California Reading Specialist Credential or eligibility for Reading Specialist Credential or equivalent.

Successful classroom teaching experience desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

School environment

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

Seeing to read materials and monitor student activities.

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

Hearing and speaking to exchange information and provide instruction.