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Michael HolmesWalden University

NEED

Filing Cabinets full of Special Education Files

RESEARCH: FORM VERSUS FUNCTION

Serfass and Peterson (2007) argue the need for software to create Special Education reports in a more timely and efficient manner, and are flexible enough to change as needs change.

Too much time is taken away from the needs of students by managing paper files.

Potential to benefit teachers, administrators, and parents, as well as students.

Eutactics software is an important and effective tool to assist education professionals in their management and reporting responsibilities.

HISTORY – since 1979

Eutactics began developing computer-assisted IEP development systems in 1979, starting with large mini-computers, moving to the Apple IIe computers, then to MS-DOS based computers and Macintosh computers, to PC’s, and finally to state-of-the-art web-based programming. During this time software has been continually updated and enhanced based upon the recommendations of theirclients and the available technology.

This continual process of software updates, based upon technologies, user suggestions and constantly-evolving state and federal mandates, makes Eutactics’ SEMS Tracker an important and effective tool to assist education professionals in their management and reporting responsibilities.

DEVELOPMENT Making the push for schools and programs to go

“Paperless” Problems: easy access because of internet

connectionMarket:

State Programs Public School Districts Private Schools Charter Schools Collaborative Programs Regional Centers State Department of Corrections Department of Juvenile Justice

Packaging and Marketing Eutactics webpage is very user friendly and

easily accessible. Eutactics offers free trail demonstrations on

its website. Eutactics attends various Educational

seminars and shows to promote the technology it has to offer.

DistributionEutactics is distributed via the internet.

COMMERCIALIZATIONThe production has been continually updated

and enhanced based upon the recommendations Eutactics clients and the available technology.

This continual process of software updates, based upon technologies, user suggestions and constantly-evolving state and federal mandates, makes Eutactics’ SEMS Tracker an important and effective tool to assist education professionals in their management and reporting responsibilities.

Five Stages of Innovative Decision Process

I. Knowledge StageSocioeconomic characteristicsPersonality VariablesCommunication Behaviorhttp://www.eutactics.com/aboutus.php?

html_id=aboutus_companyhistory

II. Persuasion Stage

Relative Advantage

Compatibility

http://www.cec.sped.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Archives2&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=23&ContentID=4526

III. Decision and Implementation Stage

Adoption

Rejection

V. Confirmation StageImplementing a comprehensive web-based

software system requires careful planning, guidance and a knowledge of 'best practices' that have proven successful.  Eutactics' project management staff is available to help with every step of the implementation process.

Significant Impact to EducationAccessibility Cost EffectivenessCompatibility to present technology

S-Curve

Innovators and Early Adopters

Laggards – teachers with many years of experience and from courses such as languages and humanities.Strategies to help them toward adoption:

Demonstration of Eutactics Software.Demonstration of the low technical knowledge

the technology requires from the Special Education Professional.

Technical Support from colleagues and Eutactics.

Teaching the multiple services the technology offers for any individual person in and out of the school environment.

Variables to the Rate of Adoption

Adoption ProcessEutactics has used a centralized approach for

the adoption of their software and this should be the same approach in school settings. The possible adopter will received this innovation from many different technologies in a decentralized form.

Key Change Agents in SchoolsAdministrators

Develop a need for changeCreate an intent to change client (program)Translate an intent into actionStabilize adoption and prevent discontinuanceAchieve a terminal relationship

FacultyEstablish an information exchange relationshipDiagnose problemsTranslate an intent into actionAchieve a terminal relationship

Critical Mass Status to Eutactics in Society

As more and more individuals in a system adopt , the noninteractive innovation is perceived as increasingly beneficial to future adopters (and this encourages them to adopt).

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Eutactics, Inc. (2009). Retrieved November 19, 2008

http://www.eutactics.com.

Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of Innovations (5th ed.). New York:

Free Press.0

Serfass, Cindy & Peterson, Reece L. (2007). A Guide to Computer

-Managed IEP Record Systems. Teaching Exceptional

Children, v40 (n1) p16-21

Wilson, G. L., Michaels, C. A., & Margolis, H. (2005). Form versus

Function Using Technology to Develop Individualized

Education Programs for Students with Disabilities. Journal of

Special Education Technology, v20 (n2) p.37-46.