Chapter two entry

How are special educators using technology in the instruction of exceptional students?
“Instructional technology is developed primarily as a means to deliver content and instruction in an appropriate manner to exceptional children.” (Educating Exceptional Children, 63) Some specific examples of how educators are using this technology are CD-ROM’s, phone/fax, and computer software programs. Instructive technologies such as these also allow exceptional students to be more involved in general education classes. Instructive technology helps students but only if the educator knows how to properly apply the technology to the course material. Part of the IDEA up in place in 2004 was that all special education teachers must master the use of technology, including that of instructive technology and assistive technology.

What is the impact of the “No Child Left Behind Act” and the “High Stakes Testing” on schools?
The impact of the No Child Left Behind Act had an impact on all students in the school. The government expected that all students should meet a minimum level of competency, disabled or not. When students were unable to meet this requirement of 100 percent proficiency, the school is disciplined and may lose their government funds. “Some students with disabilities just could not meet these standards no matter how hard they tried.” (Educating Exceptional Children, 43) High stakes testing don’t have as big of an impact on the school as does the NCLB Act, high stakes testing effects the individual child more. The only effect this could have on the schools is that as a result of doing well or doing poorly, it could reflect the teaching within the schools.