The statewide (California) study reviewed the federal and state requirements for special education paperwork. It analyzed paperwork used in 37 school districts to identify data items in compliance with or in excess of requirements. Interviews on special education paperwork with 120 special educators were summarized. Based upon the study, two viewpoints toward paperwork were identified: the legal and the educational planning. Educators with the legal viewpoint used paperwork as documentation against possible suits, while the educational planners used the paperwork to assist in the planning process. Teachers found the paperwork useful, but they did not like to complete the forms. (Author/DB)