Discussion Question:
The NCLB Act is considered to be one of the major movements towards increased interest in adaptive/assistive technology in the educational system—causing an increased interest from software companies and other businesses, increased interest in PD for all teachers about technology applications and integration etc. As you browsed through the ramifications of NCLB, what, how, or why do you think NCLB has created a new emphasis on Assistive Technology? What is the connection between AT and the NCLB act? Include references or excerpts from the NCLB where possible.

Response:
From what I have read so far, No Child Left Behind Act puts great emphasis on enhancing education through technology as well as professional development. The reason is obvious. Today’s increasingly high-tech environment requires that teachers become more proficient in the use of instructional technology. The importance of teacher training on technology is emphasized in the No Child Left Behind Act. NCLB requires that 25% of state federal technology funding be allocated for professional development and that such professional development be research based.
(http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/suptsmemos/2002/inf083f.pdf. Please refer to page 4)

Also, I believe that AT can help greatly in meeting the NCLB goals because assistive technology allows students to reach their full academic potential. Hopefully through NCLB, educators will see the importance of incorporating assistive technology for special needs and /or ESOL students. This is very important because if we are going to assess these students through standardized tests then we better provide them with opportunities that allow students to reach their full academic potential.