Building Theory and Critical Praxis in Professional Learning for Technical Assistance Practitioners

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 20
  In Roundtable Session: Critical Perspectives in Higher Education

Abstract

Although the provision of technical assistance (TA) has been a relied upon strategy for advancing educational reform for decades, research or even descriptions of the preparation of technical assistance personnel to engage in the complexities of such work remain elusive. As TA practitioners, faculty and researchers for an Equity Assistance Center (EAC) funded by the U.S. Department of Education, we apply theoretical constructs from socio-cultural frameworks and equity-oriented technical assistance to (re)conceptualize the role and requisite competencies of TA providers. This new understanding of TA informed the development of professional learning experiences specifically designed for TA providers. Through an analysis of the results of these experiences we propose of a framework for professional learning with, for, and by TA providers.

Authors

• Seena M. Skelton, Great Lakes Equity Center

• Kathleen King Thorius, Indiana University - IUPUI

• Tiffany S. Kyser, Indiana University - Indianapolis

• Cesur Dagli, Indiana University - Bloomington