Call for TA

Call for Technical Assistance for State Education Agencies-FAQ
On what topics can my state receive technical assistance (TA)?
The NCRTI can help states scale-up response to intervention and its components - practices related to screening students, monitoring student progress, providing evidence-based interventions, and identifying students with learning disabilities. NCRTI can also provide TA on related topics, including disproportionality, the reduction of the achievement gap, English language learners, response to intervention (RTI) in secondary schools, and RTI leadership team development.

What types of TA does the NCRTI offer?
Available TA includes a variety of activities. At one end of the spectrum, we offer one-time or short-term activities or events - document review, presentations and speakers, RTI implementation plan development, facilitation of leadership team planning, and professional development/ training. At the other end, we offer more sustained, long-term assistance and coaching for a series of activities that builds the capacity of the state to assist local education agencies in the scale-up of response to intervention. A TA Provider can problem solve with you and your team to identify the most appropriate TA to meet your state's needs.

What if I do not know what type of TA my state needs?
If you are unsure of the level and type of TA support your state needs, still submit a general request for TA. One of the Center's TA providers will contact you to conduct a needs assessment and problem solve with you (and your team) to determine the most appropriate level and type of TA for your state.

What is intensive TA?
Intensive TA is customized support for an SEA based on the Center's problem solving model and the state's plan for implementing RTI. The purpose of intensive TA is to support SEAs in assisting LEAs in scaling up RTI. Because scale-up takes time and resources, the NCRTI expects states receiving intensive TA to engage in a multi-year TA agreement and demonstrate that they have adequate personnel and support for scale-up. SEAs receiving intensive TA will be expected to work with selected local sites to support full implementation of RTI with fidelity.
Technical Assistance to SEA Technical Assistance to select LEAs in "Intensive" States
  1. Direct, ongoing assistance to build SEA capacity to help in assisting LEAs to scale up RTI
  2. Assistance to plan and implement RTI conferences and trainings
  3. Access to content experts for professional development and technical assistance
  4. Assistance with evaluation activities
  5. Assistance with resource development
  6. Assistance with disseminating RTI resources and information to key stakeholders
  1. Direct, ongoing assistance to develop RTI implementation plans
  2. In partnership with the state, technical assistance to implement RTI plans
  3. Assistance to develop and use RTI tools
  4. Assistance with identifying or developing evaluation strategies and tools to assess fidelity of implementation
  5. Assistance with disseminating RTI resources and information to key stakeholders
Who can receive intensive, multi-year, comprehensive TA support?
All states are eligible for intensive TA but must demonstrate a need and meet the selection criteria below. If you are interested in intensive TA, please discuss this with the TA Provider in your region.
  1. The State has developed a conceptual framework of RTI with input from multiple stakeholders.
  2. The State has a comprehensive, multi-year implementation plan that includes full implementation of RTI in local education agencies.
  3. The State has demonstrated committed leadership at the Superintendent/Commissioner level.
  4. The State is willing to dedicate sufficient resources (human, time, and fiscal) to implementing RTI.
  5. The State has an established leadership team including multiple stakeholder groups that has demonstrated commitment to RTI implementation.
What if my state does not meet the selection criteria but still needs assistance?
A TA Provider can work with you to develop a Targeted TA Plan. For example, if your state is interested in accessing intensive supports but does not have a conceptual framework or an established leadership team, the Center can provide targeted assistance to help develop these.

Who provides the TA?
NCRTI's TA team members are assigned to regions of the United States. As a team, they have extensive experience in general and special education and have served as teachers, administrators, researchers, and response to intervention implementers. The team works together to strategize approaches, customize resources, and deliver training. Full biographical information is available here.