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The Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) and the Elementary and Middle Schools Technical Assistance Center (EMSTAC) Present:. Improving Outcomes for Students with Disabilities: Collaborating to Provide Research-Based Practices in Classrooms. Collaboration. A Group Definition. Collaboration.
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The Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) and the Elementary and Middle Schools Technical Assistance Center (EMSTAC) Present: Improving Outcomes for Students with Disabilities: Collaborating to Provide Research-Based Practices in Classrooms
Collaboration A Group Definition
Collaboration • Characterized by: • mutual respect • trust • open communication • pooling of personal resources and expertise • joint ownership
The Allegheny Intermediate Unit • Our Mission • The Allegheny Intermediate Unit is an educational service agency and regional partner providing customized programs and services to advance the quality of life for all learners.
The Allegheny Intermediate Unit • Our Vision • The Allegheny Intermediate Unit is an educational service agency dedicated to success for all learners. We champion best practices and innovative approaches in teaching and learning. Through partnerships and collaborative leadership, we enhance the capacity of schools and communities to support all children and families.
The Allegheny Intermediate Unit • Our Home • Forty-two school districts in Allegheny County, PA • Range of Services
The EMSTAC Team Barbara Acosta Keith Berman Brad Carl Shirley Cole Christina Diamond Miriam Gerver Jim Hamilton Tony Johnson Lydia Killos Jessica Margolin Maury McInerney Eric Mesmer Laurel Nishi Christine Paulsen Suzanne Ritter Kristin Ruedel Jessica Saunders Amanda Schwartz Muna Shami Michael Smith Caroline Sunshine Judy Wald Charity Welch Darren Woodruff Martha Young Aashti Zaidi
Elementary and Middle Schools Technical Assistance Center • EMSTAC’s mission is to develop a comprehensive approach to technical assistance that can be used nationwide to improve results for children with disabilities
Technical Assistance (TA) • Involves helping local school districts build their capacity to improve educational services & outcomes for children with disabilities and their families. • Some examples of EMSTAC TA efforts include • school-wide behavioral interventions • reading instruction • inclusion of special needs students into general education programs • disproportionate representation of minorities in special education
A Variety of Support for Schools • Technical Assistance Liaisons • Local Linking Agents • Products that are research-based • National network of educators and resources (e.g. CASE, CCSSO, MPRRC) • www.emstac.org
Technical Assistance Liaisons (TA Liaisons) • TA Liaisons are AIU and EMSTAC staff who work with the Linking Agent to support his/her role. • TA Liaisons consult with Linking Agents, provide guidance and problem-solving assistance, and connect Linking Agents to research.
Linking Agents • “Linking Agent” is a term to describe individuals in school systems that promote school improvement by helping districts implement research-based practices. • Linking Agents are problem-solvers, connectors to research, and facilitators of change in their school district.
How Does the Change Process Fit In? • As interventions are brought into schools, change will occur. • If Linking Agents understand the process of change and can help the school district work through change, they are more likely to be successful.
The Collaboration(or, How AIU and EMSTAC Met) • CEC Conference 1999 • Complementary Missions • Getting the Ball Rolling • Visiting AIU • Recruiting school districts • Moving the process along
National-Level Resources and Networking State-Level Resources and Networking EMSTAC(Technical Assistance Liaison) AIU(Technical Assistance Liaison) School District A (Linking Agent) School District B (Linking Agent) School District C (Linking Agent) AIU-EMSTAC Collaboration Model
Benefits of the Partnership • Increased network opportunities • Additional resources for districts • Recognition for the Intermediate Unit • Research based practices • Improved outcomes for students
Challenges • Administrative Support • Internal governance issues • District demographics and characteristics • The role of the Linking Agent • Distinction between AIU and EMSTAC
What’s Next? • Retaining School Districts • Projections for school districts with which we are currently working • Utilizing videoconferencing capabilities • Extending Collaboration • Recruiting More School Districts
Wrap Up • Discussion, questions, and feedback • Thank you!