LATRECE FERGUSON-CLARK

Ambitious professional seeking an opportunity to participate in the Leadership Exploration and Development program where I can enhance my leadership abilities, develop a deeper understanding of innovative and effective leadership principles, gain invaluable insights into strategic decision-making, and foster meaningful connections that will provide a space for collaboration with individuals in an effort to promote positive change within our school district and community. Participation in the leadership program will allow for me to take on roles within the district that may influence school policies and practices related to student support services, lead efforts to enhance innovative programs and interventions within various programs, as well as roles that build partnerships with parents, educators, and community organizations.

• State of Texas Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
• State of Texas General Education Teaching Certification
• State of Texas Special Education Teaching Certification

• Reorganized the Special Education Department to provide more efficient access to services and supports schools within the district.
• Implemented policies and initiatives to enhance the inclusion of students with disabilities in mainstream classrooms, ensuring equal access to quality education for all students.
• Enhanced academic supports for students with disabilities and those participating in the response to intervention program via research-based technology and curricula.
• Served as a community liaison for disability services.
• Identified and secured additional funding sources to address budgetary constraints and allocate resources for improving special education services as well as general education services.
• Introduced a comprehensive professional development program for distract staff, focusing on evidence-based practices and required compliance initiatives.
• Successfully reduced the student-to-staff ratio for special education students by hiring additional qualified staff, providing more individualized attention and support to meet diverse learning needs effectively.
• Implemented compliance monitoring systems, conducted regular audits, and provided training to staff to ensure adherence to federal and state regulations, resulting in improved compliance with special education law and standards.
• Collaborated with the instructional leadership team to implement evidence-based instructional strategies, interventions, and academic support programs tailored to individual student needs, resulting in measurable improvements in special education and general education student academic performance and achievement.
• Strengthened child find efforts through proactive outreach, collaboration with community organizations, and targeted strategies to identify and evaluate students with disabilities, ensuring timely access to special education services.

• Collaborated with curriculum specialists and educators to develop and adapt curriculum materials and instructional resources to meet the diverse learning needs of students with disabilities and suspected disabilities.
• Facilitated informational sessions for parents of students with disabilities and those that received 504 services and response to intervention to provide resources, guidance, and advocacy support.
• Conducted regular evaluations of special education programs and services, utilizing analysis to identify areas for improvement and implement evidence-based interventions to enhance student outcomes.
• Conducted visits to various districts throughout the metroplex and out of state as well as completed extensive research to assist in enhancing services and programming provided within my district.
• Established partnerships with community agencies, organizations, and service providers to expand access to specialized services for students with disabilities.
• Utilized data analysis to monitor student progress and make informed decision regarding instructional strategies and resource allocation.
• Launched access to a technology platform to provide professional development access for all district staff.
• Developed and implemented a training program specifically designed to provide additional support to special education teachers and paraprofessionals.
• Participated in the research, planning, and implementation of a therapeutic behavior management training program offered to parents and children within a private practice setting.
• Trained in Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), became a trainer, and provided training to school staff.