DISTRICT OVERVIEW

Holyoke Public Schools (HPS) serves 5,400 students in 12 schools and employs nearly 1,500 people.  The District was placed into receivership by the State of Massachusetts in Spring 2015, due to struggling performance well below the state average. Dr. Stephen Zrike Jr., a seasoned Massachusetts educator, was selected as Receiver to lead this exciting turnaround effort, which includes significant autonomy and flexibility from the traditional school system. Since being in receivership, the District has experienced many promising successes, including an 8-point increase in graduation rates and 29-point decrease in the number of students who drop-out. HPS has also extended the school day for students in preschool to 8th grade, expanded choice programs such as dual language and personalized learning, and offering new opportunities to students, such as computer science and many other enrichment programs. For more information about the HPS Turnaround Plan, please visit: https://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/turnaround/.

Job Description: 

1. Performs psychoeducational evaluations (cognitive, academic, social/emotional, etc. assessments).
2. Administers, scores, and interprets norm-referenced, as well as criterion referenced assessment instruments.
3. Attends specified TEAM meetings to go over evaluation reports with TEAM members, provide input for IEP eligibility and/or services, and make recommendations  
4. Synthesizes information and recommendations in conjunction with other TEAM members into an effective, individually appropriate educational plan and assists in its writing as needed.
5. Assists in the diagnosis of learning disabilities in students
6. Maintains evaluation and assessment activities log
7. Consults with teachers about classroom management techniques, students' behavior and academic performance.
8. Makes regular classroom visits to observe student interaction in the classroom setting.
9. Consults with parents regarding their children's behavior and academic performance.
10. Attends Student Support Team (SST) meetings as needed
11. Attends monthly Psych Department and Special Education meetings
12. Represents the Holyoke Public Schools at appropriate conferences and professional development.
13. Reports to assigned building(s) principal(s), Department Head, specified Special Education Coordinator, and Special Education Director.
14. Completes other duties as assigned by the aforementioned people above.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree required 
• Massachusetts School Psychologist Certification
• Commitment to ensuring academic success for all students
• Experience working in an urban setting, preferred
• Experience working with diverse student populations, preferred
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply student performance data to instructional planning and execution
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; excellent teamwork skills 
• Bilingual applicants (Spanish) strongly encouraged to apply