ATSTAR
ATSTAR (Assistive Technology: Strategies, Tools, Accommodations & Resources) is an online curriculum designed to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities by helping teachers learn to use assistive technology in the classroom.
What is ATSTAR?
The classes are online, so ATSTAR is available all across the globe. It’s an on-going process and not a one-and-done because it is likely that users will revisit the program as the students’ needs evolve. ATSTAR is designed for everybody who wants to learn more about Assitive Technology and how to implement them in the classroom. The curriculum covers all kinds of disabilities whether there are mental, learning or physical based.
ATSTAR is a tool that provides:
- Technology training for teachers
- Technology for students
- Classroom technology resources
How long does it take to complete the classes?
It takes around 8 hours on average. There is no rush, people can go at their own pace and do it whenever they want.
How much does it cost?
The Individual registration costs $50, and if you register as a team (up to 6 people), it can be as cheap as $10 per person for one year.
ATSTAR give teachers credit hours
ATSTAR gives educators the option to complete 8 hours of accessibility training for Teacher Professional Development / Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
The purpose of ATSTAR
ATSTAR prepares educational staff to conduct assessments in-school, collect data, and integrate Assistive Technology into the learning process. The program provides a network of ongoing support as educators learn to use technology to include students with disabilities in classroom learning activities. It’s very important that teachers understand technology and how it interfaces with students that have disabilities. Today students go to school and they depend on Assistive Technology to do their classwork and take exams. But to really know how to help students, teachers need to understand how Assistive Technology works so they can work with them side by side to empower them to be successful at school.
You don’t have to be an expert!
ATSTAR was designed primarily for teachers, parents, and administrators who may not have a strong background in special education but want to learn the basics of Assistive Technology.
What does ATSTAR do for you?
ATSTAR has something for everyone who wants to find more opportunities for students with disabilities:
Administrators
How do you know your teachers are up to date on the tools their students with disabilities could use? How well do your teachers work as a team to stay on top of the latest developments? Learn how ATSTAR helps teachers become a team as they learn about Assistive Technology and how ATSTAR lets you track their progress.
Teachers
What tools are available today to help you reach students with disabilities and to help them take advantage of their strengths? In a series of online lessons, ATSTAR will show you how assistive technologies can break down barriers to communication. And you don’t have to do this alone. ATSTAR helps you build a team with your colleagues. With ATSTAR in your toolkit, your students will have better educational outcomes.
Parents
If your child’s teachers had access to ATSTAR, what more could they do for him or her? Learn how we can help you reach the teachers and administrators in your schools. If you need more help than what you’ve been getting, we can help you find an agency or organization in your area that serves parents of children with disabilities.
ATSTAR recognition
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ATSTAR has been accredited by the University of Oregon
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Austin Independent School District (AISD) implemented the tool in its own server
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ATSTAR is now available for all public schools
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ATSTAR gives teachers credit hours
