1980

Founding of the Intermountain Plains Regional Resource Center (IPRRC)

TAESE began its journey in September 1980 when the Bureau of Education for the Handicapped (now known as the Office of Special Education Programs - OSEP) at the U.S. Department of Education awarded funding to Utah State University (USU) to operate a Regional Resource Center (RRC). Before this, the RRC was based at the University of Utah. At that time, there were a total of 12 RRCs located across the country.

Upon receiving the award, the RRC at USU was tasked with serving seven states: the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. With the transition to USU, the RRC was renamed the Intermountain Plains Regional Resource Center (IPRRC).

1983

Formation of the Mountain Plains Regional Resource Center (MPRRC)

In 1983, the 12 Regional Resource Centers (RRCs) across the country were consolidated into six centers. This reorganization led to the merger of the Midwest RRC, operated out of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, with the Intermountain Plains RRC at USU. This combination created a new consolidation of 11 states.

Despite initial challenges from the Bureau of Education for the Handicapped, funding was awarded to USU as the prime contractor and Drake University as the sub-contractor. This arrangement remained intact until 1998, with state coverage expanded to include Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.

The combined RRCs were renamed the Mountain Plains Regional Resource Center (MPRRC), hereafter referred to as the Mountain Plains RRC.

1990

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA was a landmark civil rights law that prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places open to the general public. At this time, the Mountain Plains RRC was well-established and operational, making it an instrumental resource in promoting ADA rights throughout the states it served.

1993

High Marks from OSEP Evaluations

By 1993, the Mountain Plains RRC had firmly established itself as a reliable provider of technical assistance, earning positive feedback from the 11 states it served. That year, the Mountain Plains RRC underwent a formal evaluation by assessors appointed by OSEP. The evaluators praised the Mountain Plains RRC, stating: "MPRRC... presented a picture of a highly competent and professional technical assistance agency that is very valued by their clientele."

1996

Retirement of Dr. Glenn Latham

Dr. Glenn Latham served as the director of the Mountain Plains RRC for 13 years, until he stepped down from his leadership position on June 30, 1996. Following his retirement, John Copenhaver was appointed as the new Mountain Plains RRC Director. He worked closely with the administrators of the Drake University sub-contract (Ray Feltner, Bob Hoehle, Deb Brower, and Carl Smith).

Dr. Latham passed away in July 2001 while on his way to a speaking engagement in Australia. He was a passionate, productive, and dedicated behavior analyst, renowned for his expertise in behavior management and his ability to resolve classroom and family problems. His major book, The Power of Positive Parenting, remains highly regarded and widely recommended. Dr. Latham was a great friend, teacher, and mentor to many. His contributions will always be remembered and have set a high standard for TAESE to follow.

1999

Continued Excellence and Establishment of the Virtual Office Model

In 1999, the Mountain Plains RRC was once again formally assessed by evaluators from OSEP and received high marks for its services. Additionally, the Mountain Plains RRC became the first OSEP-funded project in the country to establish a virtual office model for its professional staff. This innovative model allowed professional staff and program specialists, who were located throughout the region, to be closer to Mountain Plains RRC clients.

The virtual office model proved to be very successful, prompting other OSEP centers to develop their own virtual models. TAESE has successfully maintained this model to this day, with staff both living and working at our home base in Logan, Utah, as well as virtually throughout the country.

2000

Initiation of TASK12

In the year 2000, the initiative that would eventually become TASK12 (Training and Assessment Systems for K-12 Educational Interpreters) was launched in collaboration with professionals from Colorado, Arizona, and Montana (Cheryl Johnson, Mariam Podrazik, and Marilyn Pearson). In 2004, the project went national and has continued to grow ever since. TASK12 strives to improve education for students who are deaf and hard of hearing by providing evaluations, training, and support for Educational Interpreters nationwide. For more information about the TASK12 program, see the TASK12 About Page.

2003

Regional Reconfigurations

In 2003, the Request for Proposals (RFP) to fund the RRCs specified two regional reconfigurations. This reconfiguration eliminated the Drake University sub-contract, resulting in Iowa and Missouri being moved to the Great Lakes Area RRC. Additionally, the Mountain Plains RRC was expanded to include Arizona and New Mexico.

2004

Development of the Center for Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education (TAESE)

In 2004, TAESE was established as the umbrella center for numerous contracts, including the Mountain Plains RRC. TAESE focused on improving outcomes for students with disabilities by supporting state and local education agencies. The establishment of TAESE coincided directly with the passing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which has been a guiding light for TAESE's practices and training ever since its inception.

2009

Leadership Transition in TAESE and the Mountain Plains RRC

In 2009, John Copenhaver stepped down as the director of the Mountain Plains RRC to take on the role of full-time director of TAESE. Dr. Carol Massanari was appointed as the new Mountain Plains RRC Director. Despite the leadership change, John Copenhaver continued to serve as the principal investigator for the Mountain Plains RRC until its full integration into TAESE a few years later.

2014

Conclusion of the Mountain Plains RRC

In 2014, the Mountain Plains RRC concluded its operations, becoming fully integrated into TAESE. TAESE continues to build on the legacy of the Mountain Plains RRC, remaining dedicated to providing technical assistance and support to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

2020

Retirement of John Copenhaver

After 30 years of dedicated service with the Mountain Plains RRC and TAESE, including 23 years as Director, John Copenhaver stepped down from his leadership role on January 1, 2020. Although he no longer serves as director, John continues to contribute to TAESE by offering regular support, trainings, and insights that contribute to the organization's ongoing success. Since 2020, Norm Ames has served as the TAESE Director.