The Role | A Day in the Life | Qualifications | FAQ's | Interest Form | Profile Form

Q: What are the characteristics of an effective Linking Agent?

A: A Linking Agent is an experienced educator or related service professional who is committed to school improvement and issues related to students with disabilities. He/she should be a good problem-solver who can help the district identify and develop strategies to address urgent technical assistance needs. He/she must also be committed to learning how to judge evidence about the effectiveness of new practices as well as techniques to move research into practice.

Q: How is a Linking Agent selected?

A: To become a Linking Agent, an education professional must have the endorsement of the administration. Typically, the Director of Special Education suggests an appropriate person for this position. It is possible for an individual who is interested in being a Linking Agent to approach the district's administration for support.

Q: How many Linking Agents would be in a school or district?

A: Most school districts only have one Linking Agent. However, there is some variety across districts. In some districts, two part-time individuals work together to perform the role of Linking Agent. In either case, EMSTAC staff recommend that the Linking Agent garner support from other school district personnel. This will ensure that the Linking Agent is not working in isolation but, rather, has the support of other district staff.

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Q: How much time commitment is involved in being a Linking Agent?

A: There is a lot of variety across districts. In some districts, the Linking Agent position is a full-time position. Others spend two to three days a week carrying out their responsibilities. The time commitment depends on the number of school buildings and staff involved in the project. It is recommended that each school district prioritize its technical assistance needs in its elementary and middle schools and determine the level of technical assistance effort needed to meet those needs.

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Q: Can a classroom teacher become a Linking Agent?

A: Due to their schedule and their daily responsibilities, it is not recommended that a classroom teacher become a Linking Agent while maintaining a full-time role in the classroom. However, there are Linking Agents who were promoted from the classroom to the Linking Agent position. Linking Agents who are less than full-time may have other instructional responsibilities within the school district.

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Q: What role do parents/families play in EMSTAC sponsored technical assistance activities?

A: Parents/families are key players in developing, implementing and supporting technical assistance activities. Depending on the nature of the technical assistance and district circumstances, parents/families can carry out a variety of roles and responsibilities. These range from helping to identify and prioritize technical assistance needs, helping to determine resources to meet those needs, participating in technical assistance workshops or other activities, and working with other parents/families to help sustain support for new practices in the district.

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Q: Who is a TA Liaison?

A: The TA Liaison is a person on staff at EMSTAC who works with the on-site Linking Agent. Technical Assistance Liaisons will support the Linking Agent in problem solving about the district's technical assistance needs. In addition, he/she will work with the Linking Agent to secure national, state, and local resources for planned technical assistance activities throughout the school year. In particular, the TA Liaison will help the Linking Agent identify state-of-the-art, research-based practices that can be used to improve instructional practice for elementary and middle school students with disabilities.

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