Good teacher decision making is the most basic skill in effecting positive student outcome. The quality of preactive, interactive, and postactive decisions can be greatly enhanced while reducing the effort required for training through the use of microcomputer training. The result will be an increase in student achievement. (MT)

The Special Education Management System (SEMS) is a microcomputer program designed to collect data relevant to implementation of P.L. 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act) and other related educational laws and regulations. (For related articles, see EC 142 959-961.) (Author)

Thirty-four papers from a 1983 conference on the use of microcomputers in special education focus on specific applications of the new technology. An overview section, section 1, includes papers on computer literacy and daily living skills, considerations for marketing software, and the role of special educators in the information age. Section 2…

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…

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.…

SPELL MASTER, a microcomputer-based spelling instruction system, provides the basis from which teachers can individualize learning disabled students' spelling lessons. Additional features include provision of daily and cumulative reports and establishment of criterion-referenced tests to place and monitor spelling performance. (CL)

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…

Brigham Young University has a talking-listening computer. Capable of limited conversation, it will be able to register students by telephone. Programs have also been developed for use of the computer in public schools as an aid to teachers. (Author/MLF)

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…

In 1982, Minneapolis Public Schools adopted a plan to provide students with equal access to excellent educational programs within a racially integrated school environment. Describes the role computers, software, and scanners play in Minneapolis' instructional management system, and the planning process was used to make computer-managed instruction…

As more school systems adopt site-based management, local decision makers need greater access to all kinds of information. Microcomputer-based networks can help with classroom management, scheduling, student program design, counselor recommendations, and financial reporting operations. Administrators are provided with planning tips and a sample…

The effectiveness of the instructional use of computers as measured by student achievement is examined. Attention is given to the following issues: (1) attributes that may make computer instruction applicable to students with mild learning problems; (2) problems and limitations of computer instruction; and (3) future potential and needs of…

The MICRO-CMI system designed at the University of Wisconsin combines the grouping, diagnosis, and prescription functions of two previously designed systems, with the additional dimension of a sheet scanner to input grades and to score tests. Moreover, the user may specify a unique program of studies for each student, thus enabling the support of…

The use of computers in the field of special education is discussed in terms of barriers to implementation, suggested solutions, and usefulness in managing the individualized education program. (SW)