Entry #2 - Chapter 2

(1) What specific advantages do computers offer in the education program for exceptional children?

Technology, specifically computers, offers much help to students with exceptionalities. The use of computers in the classroom is considered instructional technology. According to our textbook, "instructional technology is developed primarily as a means to deliver content and instruction in an appropriate manner to exceptional children." (Kirk, Gallagher, Coleman & Anastasiow pg. 63) Computers steer away from the traditional way of teaching, for example, lecturing, and allows students to explore on their own an alternative way of gaining knowledge. The computer consists of thousands of programs and provides access to an enormous amount of data and information. The use of computers allows the child to become more active in their learning, and their learning becomes more self-directed.

(2) What is the impact of the "No Child Left Behind Act" and "High Stakes Testing" on schools?

""No Child Left Behind" was the major education legislation by the George W. Bush administration, and it's purpose was to hold schools and educators responsible for bringing students to a minimum level of competency." (Kirk, Gallagher, Coleman & Anastasiow pg. 42) Although, the NCLB Act was not meant to affect students with disabilities, it has greatly. The "No Child Left Behind Act" tested students. Before testing the government would set a standard for schools and if a school is unable to reach this standard, they would be punished by getting their funds taken away. However, when NCLB was first implicated there were many schools that did not reach the government's standard. It was beneficial because it made teachers and educators more driven to help their students learn the content. However, it also didn't account for students with disabilities, who no matter how hard they try, cannot reach the standards. There have been many questions as to whether these students should be given an alternative test, or maybe even have a separate standard set for them, but nothing has been finalized. Adaptations are still be considered and made to this law. For now, teachers are in many cases developing an individualized education program for students that have disabilities to help them reach these standards.