A wealth of technical assistance (TA) is available for special educators. TA provides a sharing of knowledge to improve the adoption and implementation of special education practices and/or procedures.

For TA to be effective, you as the user should consider the following questions:

1. What resources do you need? Activities of TA providers covers a broad area and can range from telephone consultations to newsletters, meetings to mailings, and website resources to online learning. It is important to understand the scope of services available.
     
   Check the resources that are important to you:
    
   
   ___ Telephone consultation
   ___ Website resources
   ___ Newsletter
   ___ Fact sheets
   ___ Bibliographies
   ___ Referral services
   ___ Proactive contacts to solicit TA needs
   ___ Other:
     
2. What topic areas do you need TA in? The in-depth knowledge of the TA provider is important. They should have an expertise in content, resources, and be able to help problem solve.
    
   Check the qualities that you feel should characterize a program's TA:
    
   
   ___ Knowledge of your needs
   ___ Content expertise
   ___ Ability to identify resources and expertise needed
   ___ Ability to help problem solve challenges that you face
   ___ Ability to understand and tailor responses to specific needs
   ___ Commitment to continually upgrade one's skills
   ___ Uses a variety of channels to communicate
   ___ Ability to reach out proactively
   ___ Ability to describe scope and limitations of TA services
      
3. What criteria will you use to select TA providers? In the ever-changing world of special education, it is important to select providers that are flexible, reliable in current in policy and procedure, and able to adjust their approach to the needs of their audience.
     
   Check the qualities that you seek in a program's TA:
    
   
   ___ In-depth knowledge of your needs
   ___ Ability to troubleshoot challenges with you as they arise
   ___ Flexibility to adjust approach and style to meet the demands of the task
   ___ Ability to take on a variety of roles (facilitator, resource provider, networker)
   ___ Ability to understand and respond to your changing needs
   ___ Ability to adapt and change over time
     
4. What types of communication are available? Regular communication should be available through a variety of channels.
     
   Check the following methods the TA provider uses to promote their services:
    
   
   ___ TA services described on website
   ___ TA services described in newsletter
   ___ TA services described in brochure or other promotional materials
   ___ Email reminding you of available services
   ___ Displays, workshops, presentations at regional and/or statewide conferences
   ___ Other:
     
   
   Effective TA can make a real difference in how you do your work and your ability to impact others through your work. To think through the TA services that your selected program provides, consideration of the above questions is critical.
     
   TA provides important background knowledge and resources to those involved in the operation and oversight of special education. Be sure to choose your TA provider carefully. Running a TA program is complex. Managed well, TA helps you organize resources effectively and may produce results that will exceed your expectations. However, without proper planning and management, TA efforts can drain time and energy, distracting you from your mission. Research your TA options carefully and choose resources that are known to provide current, relevant, and accurate information.