The purpose of this guide is to provide educators throughout New York State with a convenient source of information on the network of federally funded technical assistance organizations. It begins with a brief consideration of four areas: (1) what technical assistance is; (2) principles of effective technical assistance; (3) when technical assistance is appropriate; and (4) who provides technical assistance in New York State. Following the first three questions is a brief questionnaire to guide individual discussions with technical assistance providers. In response to the fourth area, some of the federally-funded technical assistance organizations serving New York are profiled. A list of questions that should be answered before a technical assistance provider is consulted are included and divided under the topics: readiness, environmental analysis, planning, implementation, assessment/evaluation, and institutionalization. A table of contents lists technical assistance providers by the following categories: adult education and learning; bilingual education; environmental education; equity; evaluation, standards, and student testing; general information; gifted education; health education; mathematics; postsecondary education; reading; science; school reform and improvement; students at risk; technology; urban education. An ERIC Clearinghouse directory is appended. (AEF)