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How do specialists help other team members address needs in their areas?

Transdisciplinary teams use a procedure called role release. Any team member having special skills may train any other team member needing those skills. The need for a team member to have certain skills is usually dictated by scheduling. Specialists cannot always be present when a skill needs to be taught in a natural context. Specialists have certain responsibilities. They cannot release their role to another until that person demonstrates that she can perform without prompts. The specialist must then monitor the activity to ensure that the released procedure is performed as taught.

The role release process usually consists of the following steps:

• The specialist and other team members share information related to the need.
• The specialist teaches the designated person(s) a specific procedure to address the need.
• The specialist supervises the implementation of the procedure and makes adjustments as needed.

Communication among team members is essential in the role release process. Members must be able to ask questions, seek help, and respond quickly. Here are some tips for increasing and maintaining contact:

• Schedule time to observe activities.
• Review videotapes of activities between observations.
• Attend team meetings.
• Post notes to team members on a special bulletin board.
• Keep documentation in an area where all team members can access it.
• Keep a school/home notebook.

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