Technical Assistance (TA) Guidelines

What is SIG supported TA?

Technical assistance (TA) is defined as customized problem solving around a specific situation or issue in achieving improved educational results. Interventions prescribed to sites utilize TA methodology specific to the outcomes desired. TA can be customized training, facilitation, coaching, site-visits, information dissemination, and referral.

What type of TA requests will be supported through SIG funds?

A focus of the State Improvement Grant (SIG) training topics is to communicate common messages to the field about selected topics. These common, or core messages, articulate critical research findings and essential components of effective application. All core messages have been identified by experts in the field and have been approved by the California Department of Education, Special Education Division.

CalSTAT, through SIG funds, will support trainings and technical assistance requests that reflect any or all of the following core message areas:

Priority is given to requests that:

Combine efforts with general education, special education, and families to improve education
Leverage other resources
Have potential for regional impact
Use research-based practices
Distribute SIG resources across California

Why request TA?

While every situation and each school is unique, TA is often needed in order to accomplish the following:

Help develop programs and services that will improve academic achievement for all students.
Implement research-based collaborative practices in literacy, behavior and transition practices that are designed to ensure school-wide success.
Help build effective relationships among students, their families, and the school community.
Implement early intervention and prevention designed to reduce the need for costly special education services and, by doing so, reduce program cost over time.
Develop special education teacher preparation programs at universities or district intern programs.

Who can request TA?

In order to make the most efficient use of the resources available, TA can be requested by representatives from the following:

Schools, education agencies, and educational organizations
Parent organizations

How many TA days can an LEA receive?

If an LEA qualifies to receive Technical Assistance funds, they can receive a maximum of ten TA days per training, and a yearly maximum of 20 TA days. Please keep in mind that Technical Assistance funds are not intended to cover the entire cost of the presenters or trainers, and the requesting agency is expected to leverage other resources they may have available to cover these expenses.