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Evaluation of a Collaborative TA&D Initiative: Implications for TA Providers

Evaluation of a Collaborative TA&D Initiative: Implications for TA Providers. 2009 OSEP Project Directors Meeting Martha Diefendorf, Kristin Reedy & Pat Mueller. Purpose of this Session.

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Evaluation of a Collaborative TA&D Initiative: Implications for TA Providers

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  1. Evaluation of a Collaborative TA&D Initiative: Implications for TA Providers 2009 OSEP Project Directors Meeting Martha Diefendorf, Kristin Reedy & Pat Mueller

  2. Purpose of this Session • To gain a deeper understanding of the facilitators, challenges and strategies of collaborative TA to State agencies through the story of the Early Childhood Transition Initiative. • To discuss your experiences with provision of collaborative TA, including benefits and challenges.

  3. Background • Research on EC Transition State and local models of effective practices for transition • Technical Assistance Experience Understanding of issues being faced by states and the realities of bridging research to practice • OSEP Direction and Support Evidence to determine implementation of IDEA transition requirements

  4. Impetus for the Transition Initiative An analysis of state performance on the transition compliance indicators as reported in their Annual Performance Reports (APR) demonstrated a need for system improvement and enhancement. (NECTAC, 2007)

  5. Birth of the Transition Initiative • Funds OSEP approved the allocation of RRC and NECTAC resources to support collaborative technical assistance activities focused on improving state lead agencies’ implementation of the transition requirements of the IDEA • Main purposes • Build the collective topical expertise of TA providers • Develop common materials for use in TA • Provide consistent TA to states based on level of need

  6. Collaborative Partnership • NECTAC (National TA Center) • NECTC (Specialty Center) • Regional Resource Centers • OSEP Stakeholder Input • Section 619 Coordinators • Part C Coordinators • PACER • Parent Training and Information Center

  7. Preparation for Providing TA • Face-to-face meeting of TA Nov 2007 providers and stakeholders • Development of “The Document” Dec 2007 - Feb 2008 • Ancillary materials Jan 2008 and ongoing • Agenda for regional meetings March 2008 with state administrators

  8. Provision of Tiered TA • General TA for all states • Materials on NECTAC web Feb 2008 • Materials on OSEP APR calendar June 2008 • Listserv postings ongoing • Regional meetings Mar-July 2008 • Conference calls/webinars Summer/Fall • Intensive TA for 12 targeted states • Individualized onsite TA 2008-2009 • Ongoing individualized support • Development of long-term systems change plans

  9. The Document • Framework for analyzing transition system infrastructure and program components • Structured to identify strengths & weaknesses • Includes improvement strategies reflecting the most current research and recommended practice based on an emerging evidence base • Differentiates between “evidences” that are across agencies and within agencies “Designing and Implementing Effective Early Childhood Transition Processes”

  10. Developing the Evaluation • Sponsor: RRC Program • Purpose: To document outcomes and impact of the collaborative TA efforts • Process: RFP was developed and external evaluator selected • Who:Philliber Research Associates - familiar with provision of TA • Time frame: Aug 2008 – Feb 2009 • Total budget: $18,000

  11. Purpose of the evaluation To determine the extent to which… • Collaboration between OSEP, RRCP, NECTAC, NECTC and DAC was successful • States utilized materials and resources • Designated States utilized intensive TA • Strategies resulted in improvements in a State’s transition system

  12. Methodology • Web-based survey of States receiving general TA • Interviews with recipients of intensive TA • Web-based survey of TA providers

  13. Findings About General TA • 48% survey return rate from Part C & Preschool Coordinators • Product usage for at least 1 product: 92% had seen, 81% had read & 69% had used • 2 most frequently used: Early Transition from C to B and Part C Federal Requirements • 64% visited the EC Transition web site most often to download reports, publications, etc. • 62% indicated that their State needs new or additional TA

  14. Findings About Intensive TA STATE PERSPECTIVE • Phone interviews with 3 key staff from FIT, Part C and the State Transition Coordinator. • Well received & judged to be effective • Tools provided were helpful & easy to use • TA by external agencies was effective in bringing key partners together • Direct effects were increased: collaboration among the partners, family involvement in state/local team meetings & improved MOA. • Ongoing TA needed, including onsite

  15. Findings About TA Provider Perspective • 74% survey return rate from Initiative members • Majority of the 26 States rated were very or somewhat receptive to the TA • 67% of States rated, made the TA changes to a great or moderate extent • 77% of the Initiative members felt the Initiative was moderately successful • Barriers to improvement: • state’s lack of time/money, • identifying transition as a high priority

  16. Findings About TA Provider Perspective • Most frequently observed changes: • data systems • interagency agreements • revised policies/procedures • improved communication & interagency cooperation • Greater success of the Initiative was limited by time & sufficient resources • Overall, TA providers felt the collaborative effort resulted in benefits for the States

  17. Conclusions • Initiative achieved moderate degree of success. • Tools developed were widely used and shared extensively by States with staff and local partners. • Greater improvement can be realized with more time and States gaining an increased understanding of the Initiative.

  18. Recommendations • Explore ways to make TA normative. Address reticence by States to access TA… “promote TA as a normal part of doing business.” • Improve the process of identifying and inviting States to participate in intensive TA. • Work for increased clarification of roles and relationships among Initiative TA providers.

  19. Status of Transition Part B

  20. Status of Transition Part C

  21. Discussion • What are your experiences with the provision of collaborative TA? • Benefits? • Challenges? • Effective strategies? • How do you approach a State agency that has demonstrated need for your TA or similar services?

  22. Transition Resources • National Transition Initiative Web Site http://www.nectac.org/topics/transition/ectransitionta.asp • NECTAC Web site http://www.nectac.org/topics/transition/transition.asp • NECTC Web site http://www.ihdi.uky.edu/nectc/ • OSEP – RRFC Calendar – Technical Assistance Related to Determinations Web site http://spp-apr-calendar.rrfcnetwork.org/techassistance.html • Data Accountability Center (DAC) https://www.ideadata.org/index.html

  23. Contact Info • Martha Diefendorf 919-962-7368 martha_diefendorf@unc.edu • Pat Mueller 802-434-5607 eec@gmavt.net • Kristin Reedy 802-951-8218 kreedy@wested.org

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