Over a 15-year period the use of computer technology in the Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools increased dramatically, expanding from a small operation supporting the finance department to a full system with applications in all aspects of administration at the central office and local school levels as well as in instruction. Four of the major events influencing these developments were the early appointment of a task force on the educational applications of computer technology; the undertaking of a 6-year research and development project in computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and computer-managed instruction (CMI); the development of a model comprehensive educational managerial information system by a second task force that had members representing both the school district and IBM; and a two-phase implementation of the instructional systems developed during the CAI and CMI research project. These four events are described in this document, with special attention paid to the reasons behind and the results of the CAI and CMI research project. The author recommends 12 management strategies for effecting technological change in school systems through a deliberate, attainable, well-planned, and well-managed process. (Author/PGD)