ARI Reading Specialist (BES)

Job Title: ARI Reading Specialist

Supervised by/Reports to: Principal

Supervises: Instructional Aides, Student Teacher(s) as assigned

FLSA Status: Exempt

ROLE OF THE LOCAL READING SPECIALIST:

Per the Alabama Literacy Act, “An Alabama Reading Initiative local reading specialist shall be assigned to provide intensive, targeted professional development for elementary school teachers at one school.” ARI Local reading specialists may not perform administrative functions such as serving as an evaluator, substitute teacher, assessment coordinator, or school administrators, full-time interventionist, or instructional coach above third grade. The state superintendent of education will certify that each local reading specialist has the qualifications to serve in this capacity based on verification by the local superintendent.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

An ARI local reading specialist shall have all of the following minimum qualifications:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

In order to ensure that all students are reading on or above grade level by the end of third grade, the job of the ARI-funded local reading specialist(s) outlined in the Alabama Literacy Act will include the following as evidenced by student reading achievement and growth:

EMPLOYMENT TERMS:

A nine-month (187 days) contract is required in order to fulfill these job responsibilities. It is also expected that local reading specialists support summer learning efforts, and it is recommended that any addition to a nine-month contract be supplemental and not an extended contract.

EVALUATION AND SUPPORT:

Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI) local reading specialists will be evaluated according to quantitative and qualitative data measures. Summative and formative student assessment data, surveys, and site visit reports will be used in determining local reading specialists’ effectiveness and that of overall program and process effectiveness. Support for local reading specialists will be provided by ARI regional literacy specialists according to specifications outlined in the Alabama Literacy Act 2019-523.

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed.