Portable computers for teachers and support services working with pupils with Special Educational Needs: An evaluation of the 1999 United Kingdom Department for Education and Employment scheme

This study arose from the distribution of portable computers ("portables") to special educational needs coordinators and support services by the Depar tment for Education and Employment (DfEE) through Standards Grant 36 in mid 1999. The study comprised two successive questionnaires. The aim of the su rveys was to elicit the benefits of portables in relation to the special ed ucational needs coordinator/support service roles as well as to evaluate th is process of distributing resources. Questionnaire A to local education authorities (LEAs) was returned by 96 LE As (a 64% return rate), There were 778 returns of questionnaire B from reci pients of portables and 405 returns from the matched group of non-recipient s. Overall the distribution of portables under this grant was well-regarded by LEA personnel, particularly in the smaller authorities, with reservations relating mainly to the lack of time to administer the scheme. The guidance from the DfEE was regarded as helpful with inherent (valued) flexibility. A mount and level of training appeared to have varied greatly across LEAs but where training had been relatively substantial there was evidence of its i mpact on teachers' reported use of the portables. The scheme was welcomed b y school.