Linking Agents: The Catalyst for Change
In this EMSTAC-developed program, Linking Agents offer a vital human connection between the most up-to-date research and the thousands of educators who can translate this research into practice every day. Working with a variety of individuals in the school community, Linking Agents strive to create a two-way information exchange - enabling educators to share their valuable experience about "what works" at the classroom, school and school district level.
Linking Agents are supported by EMSTAC Technical Assistance Liaisons, who offer another vital link for problem-solving and information sharing between schools, school districts and EMSTAC.

EMSTAC's technical assistance involves helping local school districts build their own capacity to improve educational services and outcomes for children with disabilities and their families, as well as addressing systemic change goals and priorities. Technical assistance projects play a role in promoting knowledge production, integrating research into practice and utilizing professional knowledge. To date, EMSTAC's technical assistance efforts have included schoolwide behavioral intervention, reading instruction, inclusion, character education, team teaching and training teacher assistants.

Working together, Linking Agents and TA Liaisons strive to facilitate the positive changes that lead to vastly improved outcomes for students with disabilities in communities nationwide!

LINKING AGENTS: FORCES OF CHANGE FROM MANY WALKS OF LIFE

DIFFERENT LINKING AGENT ROLES
Linking Agents begin their work by understanding the perspectives of the people with whom they are working. This step is necessary for bringing about change and innovation. People must be respected for where they start the "change" process. They cannot be expected to fully understand the desired change until they bring it about through their own awareness and action. The Linking Agent must create awareness, educate, model and provide feedback in order to bring about the awareness that leads to action.

There are four key roles we can assume as Linking Agents to faciliate the change process. These can exist separately, or in combination with one another.

Linking Agents very often play the role of a facilitator. Click here to take a closer look at some of the skills associated with being an effective facilitator and successful Linking Agent.

We came up with what we heard is a more or less typical day in the life of a tremendously busy Linking Agent. Take a look . . ."
To find out more about what a Linking Agent does,