The report covers three interrelated studies which pertain to the utilization of computer based management information systems in reporting special education data to the state and federal governments. Two of the studies reflect certain aspects of actual computer use by California school districts and county offices of education, and the third…

A Special Teacher Education and Evaluation Laboratory (STEEL) uses technology to enhance the quality of instruction, keep up-to-date records of student progress, record and analyze student teaching behavior, and develop computer applications coursework. Detailed descriptions of the STEEL's goals, objectives, and applications are provided, and the…

The article highlights trends in priority user needs and market information on microcomputer hardware/software for special education. Among trends noted are significant increases in microcomputer hardware inventories, and perceived needs for computer assisted instruction, administrative functions, and systematic planning for the use of technology…

Examples are provided of a computerized special education management system used to manage assessment data for exceptional students. The system is designed to provide a simple yet efficient method of tracking data from educational and psychological evaluations (specifically the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children--Revised scores). (CL)

The authors discuss the issue of increased record-keeping responsibilities which are the direct result of the individualized education process (IEP) as mandated by P.L. 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act), and they describe one method of alleviating the burden of this paperwork through the use of computers. (SW)

The role of the computer as manager of instruction in special education is discussed. In Part 1, basic computer terms are introduced under the major headings of data measurement, hardware, and software. Part 2 focuses on selection criteria for microcomputers. Suggestions for evaluating software are given in terms of ease of use, documentation,…

Intended for special education directors responsible for managing preparation of individualized education programs (IEPs), the booklet suggests ways to streamline the IEP process by using computers. An initial chapter suggests ways to reduce the IEP paperwork, such as preselecting goal areas and proposed objectives in advance of the IEP meeting.…

Intended for classroom teachers, answers questions regarding use of microcomputers in teaching, defining some concepts associated with computer technology. Information provides number, kind, and adaptation of microcomputers for special education students. Suggestions for using microcomputers in programs for students, teachers, and administrators…

The paper describes a microcomputer disk, Data Based Program Modification (DBPM), which allows special and regular educators to monitor the progress of each student, thereby perceiving the effectiveness of the instructional program. The advantages of such a formative evaluation approach are considered. The development of the DBPM is outlined in…

The report summarized findings from a study of organizational issues involved in the use of microcomputers in special education programs in 12 school districts. Background of the study and details on site selection were given. Features of the selected districts (urbanicity, number of schools, enrollment, predominant ethnicity, and number of…

The paper examines the use in special education of computerized data management systems (CDMS). CDMS are electronic report generators and databases that provide individualized records (Individual Education Plans or IEP) in a structured format. Examples of software functions and hardware required are cited. Three major sources of software for IEP…

Increasingly, software is being developed for special education administrative purposes, including Individualized Education Program development and documentation, database management for reporting and monitoring instructional programs for federal accountability, statistical analysis for program monitoring, and creative uses. The widespread use of…

The first edition of this journal features seven papers on computers in special education. D. Berkell reviews basic information in "For the Uninitiated: What Teachers Should Know about Computers." D. Shanahan briefly describes a computer problem solving program in "Robots in the Kindergarten." J. Beckerman relates her own experiences using…

The author cites the arrival of the information age and considers its implications for special education. He suggests that special educators must build their information management skills. Four specific applications of microcomputers in special education are addressed: tool applications (in which students use microcomputer technology as personal…

The directory lists and describes commercially produced software/courseware useful for special education. Companies are listed in alphabetical order and each entry includes basic directory information (company name, address, telephone number, and contact person); company information (type, hardware, level, handicapping condition for which the…