GEORGE R. PETERSON-KARLAN, PH.D.
Professor of Special Education. Illinois State University
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
1973: B.S. in Psychology, Johns Hopkins University
1974: M.A. in Human Development, University of Kansas
1976: Ph.D. in Child Development and Psychology, University of Kansas
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Technology and Media Division
Division for Autism & Developmental Disabilities (Publications Committee)
Teacher Education Division
Council for Administrators of Special Education
Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS (2001-present)
Montgomery, D. J., Peterson-Karlan, G. R., and Coutinho, M. (2001). The effectiveness of word processor
spell checker programs to produce target words for misspellings generated by students with learning
disabilities. Journal of Special Education Technology, 16(2), 27-42.
Wojcik, B. W., Peterson-Karlan, G., Watts, E. H., & Parette, P. (2004). Assistive technology outcomes in a
teacher education curriculum. Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits, 1, 21-32.
Thompson, J. R., Bakken, J. P., Fulk, B. M., & Peterson-Karlan, G. (2005). Using technology to improve the
literacy skills of students with disabilities. Retrieved January 3, 2005 from North Central Regional
Education Laboratory web site: http://www.ncrel.org/litweb/disability.pdf.
Parette, H. P., Peterson-Karlan, G. R., & Wojcik, B. W. (2005). The state of assistive technology services
nationally and implications for future development. Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits, 2(1),
13-24.
Peterson-Karlan, G. R., & Parette, H. P. (2005). Millennial students with mild disabilities and emerging
assistive technology trends. Journal of Special Education Technology, 20(4), 27-38.
Parette, H. P., Wojcik, B., W., Peterson-Karlan, G. R., & Hourcade, J. J. (2005). Assistive technology for
students with mild disabilities: What’s cool and what’s not. Education and Training in Developmental
Disabilities, 40, 320-331.
Parette, H. P., Peterson-Karlan, G. R., Smith, S. J., Gray, T., & Silver-Pacquilla, H. (2006). The state of
assistive technology: Themes from an outcomes summit. Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits, 3,
1-20.
Peterson-Karlan, G. R., Wojik, B. W., & Parette, H. P. (2006). The effectiveness of SOLO™ on the writing
outcomes of students with learning and academic disabilities (Final Report to the National Center on
Technology Innovation, Illinois State University, Special Education Assistive Technology Center.
Retrieved October 10, 2006, from
http://www.nationaltechcenter.org/rfp/projectSOLOwritingoutcomes.asp .
George R. Peterson-Karlan
Vita – 2
Peterson-Karlan, G. R. & Parette, H. P. (2007). Supporting struggling writers using technology: Evidencebased instruction and decision-making. Washington DC: National Center for Technology Innovation.
Available electronically at
http://www.techmatrix.org/resources/Technology%20to%20Support%20Writing.pdf
Parette, H. P., Peterson-Karlan, G. R., Wojcik, B. W., & Bardi, N. (2007). Monitor that progress!
Interpreting data trends for AT decision-making. Teaching Exceptional Children, 40(1), 22-29.
Parette, H. P., & Peterson-Karlan, G. R. (Eds.). (2008). Research-based practices in developmental
disabilities (2nd ed.). Austin, TX: Pro-Ed.
Parette, H. P., & Peterson-Karlan, G. R. (Ed.). (2008). Research-based practices in developmental disabilities
(2nd ed.). Instructor’s manual. Austin, TX: Pro-Ed.
Parette, H. P., & Peterson-Karlan, G. R. (2008). Introduction and scope of textbook. In H. P. Parette & G. R.
Peterson-Karlan (Eds.), Research-based practices in developmental disabilities (2nd ed., pp. 1-10). Austin,
TX: Pro-Ed.
Peterson-Karlan, G. R., & Parette, H. P. (2008). Integration of technology into the curriculum. In H. P. Parette
& G. R. Peterson-Karlan (Eds.), Research-based practices in developmental disabilities (2nd ed., pp. 183214). Austin, TX: Pro-Ed.
Parette, H. P., Huer, M. B., & Peterson-Karlan, G. R. (2008). Working with persons with developmental
disabilities across cultures. In H. P. Parette & G. R. Peterson-Karlan (Eds.), Research-based practices in
developmental disabilities (2nd ed., pp. 143-167). Austin, TX: Pro-Ed.
Parette, H. P., Peterson-Karlan, G. R., Wojcik, B. W., Watts, E. H. & Stoner, J. B. (2007). Developing
competence in assistive technology implementation through user groups. Teaching Exceptional Children,
40(2), 28-32.
Peterson-Karlan, G. R., Hourcade, J. J., Parette, H. P., & Wojcik, B. W. (2007). Special education
professionals and assistive technology: Requirements for preparation in a Digital Age. Journal of the
American Academy of Special Education Professionals, 5(Fall), 68-82.
Peterson-Karlan, G. R. & Parette, H. P. (2007). Evidence-based practice and the consideration of assistive
technology: Effectiveness and outcomes. Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits, 4(1) 130-146.
Parette, H. P., & Peterson-Karlan, G. R. (2007). Facilitating student achievement using assistive technology.
Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, 42(4), 387-397
Peterson-Karlan, G. R., Hourcade, J. J., Parette, H. P. (2008). A review of assistive technology and writing
skills for students with physical and developmental disabilities. Physical Disabilities: Education and
Related Services, 26, 13-32.
Parette, H. P., Peterson-Karlan, G. R. (in press). Assistive technology and educational practice. In P. Peterson
& E. Baker (Eds.), International encyclopedia of education (3rd ed.). Oxford, England: Elsevier.
Parette, H. P. & Peterson-Karlan, G. R. (in press). Using assistive technology to support the instructional
process with students with disabilities. F. E. Obiakor, J. P. Bakken & Rotatori, A. F. (Eds.) Advances in
special education: Issues in special education (Vol. 19). Bingley, United Kingdom: Emerald Publishing
Group Ltd.
CURRICULUM MATERIALS (2000-present)
Peterson-Karlan, G. R. (2003). Discarded to Regarded – Recycling Technology to Impact the Lives of People
with Disabilities: Teacher’s Guide for Grades 9-12. Chicago, IL: Infinitec/United Cerebral Palsy of
Chicago.
George R. Peterson-Karlan
Vita – 3
Peterson-Karlan, G. R. (2004). Assistive technology ability building workshop: Leader’s manual. Normal
IL: SEAT Center, Illinois State University.
Peterson-Karlan, G. R. (2004). Assistive technology ability building workshop: Participant workbook.
Normal IL: SEAT Center, Illinois State University
GRANTS AND CONTRACTS (2002-present)
Verification of Corey H LRE Data. Funded by the Illinois State Board of Education. Peterson-Karlan, G. R.
& O’Brian, M., Project Co-Directors, [Project Period: May 15-June 30, 2003], 21,986
The Special Education Assistive Technology Center. Funded by the U. S. Department of Education. Parette,
H. P. & Peterson-Karlan, G. R. (Co-Principal Investigators) [Project period: July 1, 2005 – June 30,
2006} $496,000.
The Effectiveness of SOLO ™ Upon the Writing Outcomes of Students with Learning and Academic
Disabilities. Project funded by a subcontract from the National Center for Technology Innovation of the
American Institutes for Research. Peterson-Karlan, G. R. & Parette, H. P. (Co-Principal Investigators)
Development of an Assistive Technology Writing Tools Matrix. Project funded under a subcontract from the
National Center for Technology Innovation of the American Institutes for Research. Peterson-Karlan, G.
R. (Principal Investigator). $9995
Developing and Implementing Training in Assistive Technology for School Psychologists Nationwide.
Parette, H. P. & Peterson-Karlan, G. R. (Co-Principal Investigators). Grant funded by the NEC
Foundation of America, April, 2008. $42,500.
RECENT PRESENTATIONS
Wojcik, B. W., Peterson-Karlan, G. R., & Parette, H.P. (2005, October). Evaluating outcomes of AT-based
Writing Interventions. Paper presented to the 23rd Annual Closing the Gap Conference, Minneapolis, MN
Peterson-Karlan, G. R., Wojcik, B. W., & Parette, H.P. (2005, November). A comprehensive model for AT
preparation. Paper presented to the 1st Annual TAM-TED Conference, Portland, ME.
Peterson-Karlan, G. R., Wojcik, B. W. & Parette, H. P. (2005, November). SOLO ™ and access to the
general education curriculum. Demonstration event presented at the 2005 NCTI Annual Technology
Innovators' Conference, Washington, DC.
Parette, P., Dikter, D., Peterson-Karlan, G. R., & Wojcik, B. (2006, January). Guidelines for submitting
manuscripts to assistive technology outcomes and benefits. Paper presented to the Assistive Technology
Industry Association (ATIA) Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL.
Peterson-Karlan, G. R., Wojcik, B. W., & Parette, H. P. (2006, January). Effect of technology on writing
outcomes of students with academic disabilities. Paper presented to the TRLD Conference, San Francisco,
CA.
Peterson-Karlan, G. R., Wojcik, B. W., & Parette, H. P. (2006, April). Evaluating outcomes of AT-based writing
interventions. Paper presented to the Annual Convention of the Council for Exceptional Children, Salt Lake
City, UT.
Wojcik, B. W., Peterson-Karlan, G. R., & Parette, H. P. (2006, April). Blending on-line and traditional
professional development in AT. Paper presented to the Annual Convention of the Council for Exceptional
Children, Salt Lake City, UT.
Parette, H. P., Wehmeyer, M., Peterson-Karlan, G. R., Smith Myles, B., Wheeler, J. J., Van Laarhoven, T., &
Berkell Zager, D. (2006, April). Research-based and emerging best practices in DD/Autism: Where are we
going? Showcase presentation for the Division on Developmental Disabilities at the Annual Convention
of the Council for Exceptional Children, Salt Lake City, UT.
George R. Peterson-Karlan
Vita – 4
Parette, H. P. & Peterson-Karlan, G. R. (2007, January). Understanding collaborative research parameters.
Paper presented to the Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference, Orlando, FL
Parette, H. P., Peterson-Karlan, G. R., Wojcik, B. W. (2007, January). Facilitating student achievement using
assistive technology. Pre-Conference training institute presented to the 10th International Conference on
Cognitive Disabilities/Mental Retardation, Autism, and Other Developmental Disabilities, Keauhou-Kona,
HW
Peterson-Karlan, G. R., Wojcik, B. W., & Parette, H. P. (2007, January). Assessing the improvement of writing
skills by students using assistive technology. Paper presented to the 10th International Conference on
Cognitive Disabilities/Mental Retardation, Autism, and Other Developmental Disabilities, Keauhou-Kona,
HW
Gray, T., Silver-Pacuilla, H, & Peterson-Karlan, G. R. (2007, February). The early reading and writing matrices:
Promising technology practices. Paper presented to the Teaching, Reading and Learning Diversity
Conference, San Francisco, CA.
Peterson-Karlan, G. R., Hourcade, J. & Parette, H. P. (2007, April). Assistive technology and writing skills
for students with mild disabilities. Paper presented to the Annual Convention of the Council for
Exceptional Children, Louisville, KY.
Wojcik, B.W., Smith, S., & Peterson-Karlan, G., (2007, June). Teacher education and assistive technology:
An effective model. Paper presented to the National Education Computing Conference (NECC), Atlanta
GA.
Peterson-Karlan, G. R. & Parette, H. P. (2007, November). The SEAT Center: Innovative Professional
Development, Personnel Preparation & Research. Poster presented at the National Center for Technology
Innovation Annual Innovators Conference, Washington, DC.
Peterson-Karlan, G. R., Wojcik, B. W., & Parette, H. P. (2007, January). Assessing the improvement of writing
skills by students using assistive technology. Paper presented to the 10th International Conference on
Cognitive Disabilities/Mental Retardation, Autism, and Other Developmental Disabilities, Keauhou-Kona,
HW
Dieker, L., Smith, S., Mancil, G. R., Parette, H. P., & Peterson-Karlan, G. R. (2008, April). Virtual
environments and advanced technologies in teacher education and special education. Paper presented to
the Teacher Education Division Showcase at the Council for Exceptional Children Annual Convention
and Expo, Boston MA.
Meyer, B. M., Parette, H. P. & Peterson-Karlan, G. R. (2008, October). Universal design of learning and
secondary education implementation. Paper presented to the 2nd Pacific Rim Conference on Education:
Teaching and Learning in a Global Society, Normal, IL
Parette, H. P., Peterson-Karlan, G. R., & Wojcik, B. W. (2008, October). Readily available information and
communication technology tools to provide access to the curriculum. Demonstration workshop presented to
the 2nd Pacific Rim Conference on Education: Teaching and Learning in a Global Society, Normal, IL.
Peterson-Karlan, G. R., Parette, H. P., & Wojcik, B. W. (2008, October). Technology to support struggling
writers. Paper presented to the 2nd Pacific Rim Conference on Education: Teaching and Learning in a Global
Society, Normal, IL