Technology in schools is abundant as is the call for evidence-based interventions for students who need additional support to be successful. One promising use of technology is for self-monitoring interventions aimed at improving classroom behavior. In this study, two middle school students with disabilities used a multicomponent, self-monitoring app on an iPad during their reading classes. Using a data-based individualization approach, teachers worked with the primary investigator to monitor students' response to the intervention and adapt the intervention accordingly. A single-subject design was used to test the effects of the intervention, and a functional relation was established for both participants who improved their academic engagement and decreased their disruptive behavior. Additionally, participants indicated the intervention was socially valid. Limitations, implications, and future directions are discussed.

Self-monitoring has a well-established literature base for improving the behavior of students with a range of ages and abilities. Whereas self-monitoring often involves technology for prompting self-monitoring procedures, to date, only a few studies have examined the use of technology for recording self-monitored behavior. To extend the literature in this area, the effects of technology-based self-monitoring were examined using an iPad application called SCORE IT in which students and teachers rate students' behavior and view automated graphs of progress toward goals. Using a baseline and intervention (ABAB) design to measure outcomes, improvements in behavior were established for both middle school participants-one with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and another receiving noncategorical special education services for reading, math, and behavioral deficits. Findings, limitations, and recommendations for future research are discussed.

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Keeping students engaged in the curriculum is extremely important when attempting to close the achievement gap for students with and at risk for disabilities. This is particularly important for students with learning disabilities or behavior disorders. This article discusses the use of applications (apps) for mobile technologies that may be used to motivate and thus engage students in the classroom by supporting best instructional practices. These apps are matched to specific strategies that researchers have suggested for increasing motivation and engagement.

Data-based individualization (DBI) is a process of collecting and analyzing data on students’ response to intervention and then making intervention adaptations accordingly. Although this process can lead to better student outcomes, very few teachers are trained in the components of DBI, particularly in relation to behavior. Improving practice requires not only ongoing professional development, but also understanding about how teachers’ experiences in training can lead to better outcomes. Within the context of implementing a behavior intervention, the purpose of this study was to evaluate how participating in ongoing professional development on DBI affects teachers’ perceptions of themselves in relation to the DBI framework over time. Using a convergent, parallel mixed-methods research design, we evaluated 16 general and special education teachers’ conceptual understanding, self-efficacy, and perceptions associated with DBI before, during, and after professional development. Data analysis indicated teachers reported significant improvements in all three areas over time. Qualitative data indicated active practice and collaboration with other professionals contributed to these improvements. Key findings, limitations, and future directions are discussed.