1. Technical Assistant Program (TAP): Empowering Special Education Professional Development
Loretta Garcia
TAP Coordinator
TAP Hotline
Created By Loretta Garica 2018

2. TAP Overview:
The Technical Assistance Program (TAP) was developed in 2015 by Cooperative Educational Services (CES) in an effort to decrease Special Education Litigation. TAP provides educators in New Mexico the opportunity to receive specialized consultation, training & technical assistance in topics related to Special Education.
Created By Loretta Garica 2018

3. TAP Goals:
Develop quality, compliant & effective IEP’s (Individual Education Programs)
Improve the knowledge base in IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and NMAC (New Mexico Administrative Code)
Improve delivery of Special Education services
Provide information on current trends in Special Education & litigation
Problem-solve on potential litigation occurring on school campuses
Created By Loretta Garica 2018

4. TAP Services Include:
Workshops (full or half day) on requested Special Education topics
School site visits, file reviews, classroom & student observations
Workshops provided in select & requested sites throughout the school year
Created By Loretta Garica 2018

5. Common Issues Leading to Legal Action:
Autism
Behavior
Failure to Identify
Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)
Created By Loretta Garica 2018

6. Topics provided by TAP Consultants:
TAP Consultants have experience and expertise in a variety of Special Education Topics:
Special Education & IEP Compliance
Autism (Social Communication, Sensory Integration, Visual Schedules)
Behavior (FBA’s & BIP’s, Behavior Management Strategies)
Transition Services (IDEA Definition of Transition, Post Secondary Goals, Indicator 13)
Discipline (Manifestation Determination Review, 10 Day Rule, In-School Suspension)
Psychological & Educational Assessment Support
Understanding 504 Plans
Student Assistance Team (SAT) & Review Evaluation Data (REED)
Dyslexia, Multisensory Reading Instruction
Created By Loretta Garica 2018

7. TAP Topics Presented Fall of 2018
IDEA, Legal Compliance for Administrators; Relevant Topics for Administrators & Special Education Leaders
Writing a Compliant & Effective IEP & Writing Compliant IEP Goals
Student Assistant Team (SAT) Essentials for School Personnel
Review Evaluation Data (REED) Process for Teachers
Everything You Wanted to Know about Transition but Were Afraid to Ask, Transition 101, Transition Strategies
Investing in the Future: How to Create & Implement Quality Transition Plans & Programs for Students
Interpreting Diagnostic Testing for Educators & How Multiple Intelligences Impacts Special Needs Learners
Avoiding Power Struggles: Prevention & Intervention Techniques
Created by Loretta Garcia 2018

8. TAP Topics Presented Fall of 2018- continued
Writing Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA’s) & Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP’s)
Autism Tool Box; Visual Strategies (Make and Take), Social Skill Support, Structured Teaching, Sensory Self-Regulation
Take a Mental Health Day; Emotionally Disturbed vs. Socially Maladjusted & Mental Illness in the Classroom
Guidelines in Developing a 504 Plan
Dyslexia & Multisensory Reading Instruction, The Basis of Reading Instruction
Accommodations and Modifications in the Classroom
The Effective Classroom, Creating a Learning Environment that Supports Student Engagement in Learning
Created By Loretta Garica 2018

9. TAP Indicators of Success:
Yearly reports indicate a decrease in Special Education litigation/settlements throughout the state
TAP training & services are highly requested & supported by Superintendents, Special Education Directors, Principals & Teachers in the state
District Charter Schools reported passing compliance checks on IEP completion (meeting timelines) due to utilizing TAP support
In 2017, TAP provided professional development to over 2,000 educators across New Mexico. The need & request for TAP training & services continues to increase yearly!
Created By Loretta Garica 2018

10. TAP Coordinator Contact Information:
Please call or for additional information regarding TAP services and/or topics.
Loretta Garcia
TAP Coordinator
TAP Hotline (Cell),
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Created By Loretta Garica 2018