Mid-South Regional Resource Center

The University of Kentucky (UK) is prepared to provide efficient, effective and high quality technical assistance (TA) to the State education agencies (SEAs) and Part C lead agencies (LAs) in Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia under the new scope of work outlined in CFDA 84.326R. The purpose of this project is to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities, birth through 21 years, and their families, through TA to state agencies in this region consistent with the goals of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The sixty month effort will be structured around two results-oriented goals that encompass the nine activities of the RRC scope of work: 1. Enhance decision making systems that support continued improvement, and 2. Improve results in identified priority areas under IDEA. The first goal focuses on helping states fully implement systems for ongoing performance measurement and planning that will serve as the foundation for continuous improvement. The second focuses on structuring resources that can bring scientifically research-based practices to bear on critical issues within the states that have been identified through the continuous improvement system and that represent critical needs for the states. Such issues might relate to the state's responsibility for any of the provisions ofIDEA. TA within each goal will be approached systematically as the UK team models databased decision making for its state clients. Clear problem definition is the essential first step. The second stage of assistance will involve a careful assessment of in-state resources and the potential resources ofthe full array of national OSEP-funded specialty centers. The third stage, TA delivery, will be dependent upon the intensity of need ranging from information clients may access through RRC network services to more intense, collaborative TA provided in concert with other TA providers. For more intense TA services, baselines will be established and in-depth data analysis will be conducted to ensure that TA plans focus on root causes and result in systemic effects. As with the states, the UK will use an ongoing performance measurement and planning system that assesses effects and continually improves effort. The UK team has established relationships with all ofthe Region 2 SEAs and LAs, the Region 2 Parent Technical Assistance Center (RPT AC), and collaborators necessary for effective implementation of services to states. These relationships will ensure immediate start-up, credibility, and confidence as work proceeds. All of the SEAs and LAs in Region 2 provided strong letters of support, and the RPTAC Director and staff guided the UK team throughout the development of this proposal and are prepared to work with us to address our mutual goals. The priority for RRCs defines new leadership and collaboration roles that require collegial trust throughout the array ofOSEP-funded TA and Dissemination (TA & D) projects. The UK team will draw on its relationships with TA providers across the nation to coordinate expertise and resources and address each state's challenges. In addition to its strong external relationships, the UK team has the internal resources to provide comprehensive and adept assistance to SEAs and LAs. The personnel proposed for this project are committed to the SEAs and LAs and have the awareness, knowledge, and skills necessary to ensure high quality services. Project resources are being expanded by contributions from the University, which also reflects the commitment of UK to this project. With the established and expanding resources, the UK team is prepared to address and attain its outlined project objectives.