NSCS will use technology to deliver, score, and report on the assessments; to deliver curriculum and instruction tools; and to deliver online and on-demand professional development. The assessment delivery system will support numerous assistive technologies and communication modalities.

Technology can be used to deliver the “material” of both instruction and assessment, possibly reducing some costs and providing greater and easier accessibility. Our approach to PD will rely heavily on technology, on line and on demand, accessible to all at low cost. The use of technology has many potential benefits, such as providing multiple avenues for students to respond (including eye gaze) that will need to be weighed against research and practice on the challenges of removing construct-irrelevant variance in technology-based instruction and assessments. We want the assessments to reinforce powerful learning and teaching practices, and the use of assistive technology and communications tools are essential to the needs of SSCD. NCSC will develop more valid and more feasible assessments along with coordinated instructional and PD materials and processes that build on the potential of technology, compatible with RTTA and other initiatives.