Expert Systems in the Individual Education Program Process. Technical Paper.

The paper describes the use of expert systems technology in translating test and observational data into objectives for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) with handicapped students. The Math Test Interpreter (MTI) is designed to combine student information, results from the Key Math Diagnostic Arithmetic Test and additional program generated criterion referenced test data to produce a prescription in mathematics. The Behavior Consultant (BC) program applies the expert system approach to classroom behavior problems and features two videodisc components. Examples of a typical consultation with each of the expert systems illustrate their factual and heuristic rules and their use of backchaining to work from hypothesized conclusions to known facts. Possible system outcomes are delineated, including situations of inadequate information and development of objectives for IEPs. The paper concludes with a note on the implications of appropriate, clearly stated objectives for the education of handicapped students. (CL)