Technical Assistance
Metro Center's approach to technical assistance utilizes process consultation methods (Schein, 1987, 1998; Block, 1999) "to build strong-client-consultant relationships that result in sustained change and improvement." In process consultation, the consultant or technical assistance provider works with the client (team of district and school representatives) to:
- define the issues or problems,
- identify possible solutions,
- develop proposals or plans for change, and
- assess the fidelity of plan implementation and outcomes related to the planned efforts.
In this way, district and school representatives take an active role in coming to understand, solve assess their own concerns rather than having to rely solely on the knowledge and skills of outside experts. Working in collaboration with school and district representatives, we will encourage and foster broad-based stakeholder participation in all phases of the technical assistance process. Our approach to technical assistance and training involves needs assessment, planning, implementing, and post-assessment as informed by the NCLB definition of technical assistance for Title I schools, as well as scientifically based research in school reform and organizational development.