Elementary and Middle Schools Technical Assistance Center: An Approach to Support the Effective Implementation of Scientifically Based Practices in Special Education

The Elementary and Middle Schools Technical Assistance Center (EMSTAC) tested an insider-outsider approach to assist local school districts in effectively identifying and implementing scientifically based practices. Methods used to measure EMSTAC's effectiveness in supporting successful practice adoption are presented. The overarching finding is that EMSTAC-assisted districts learned to work through a systematic process for changing and improving their instructional programs over time. Further, although differences in EMSTAC financial support for districts were substantial, only nonfinancial factors, such as district leadership, were found to significantly influence the change process. Also discussed are the implications and limitations of these findings for improving instructional practices in special education.