A National Status Report On the Use of Electronic Technology in Special Education Management

The impact of technology on special education was initially in the area of computer-assisted instruction. More recently management uses of technology have been rapidly introduced to reduce paperwork, meet federal and state reporting requirements, and track students from referral to placement into special education programs. This study outlines the status of computer use by special education directors in the Council of Administrators of Special Education, which commissioned the survey. The results are organized around seven questions from development to current and future applications. The results are discussed in terms of two competing frameworks that guide technology use in business and education. The authors provide a development process that capitalizes on the knowledge of special education managers and their reported needs.