April 13, 2004

Morton discusses 'No Child Left Behind Act' at Troy State University

Dr. Joseph B. Morton, Alabama ’s Interim State Superintendent of Education, spoke to Troy State University students Tuesday about the importance of education in Alabama and striving to make it the best it can be.

Dr. Morton, speaking at the ninth annual Helen Keller Lecture Series at TSU, gave an overview of the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. He discussed the law’s implementation into Alabama schools, the importance of highly qualified teachers in every classroom and how both relate to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

h Helen Keller as a child in their classroom, including how they would meet federal and state requirements.

“Of 342,000 students in Alabama , 136,000 of them don’t meet the standards required by the Alabama Reading Initiative, and of 936 schools in the state, more than 400 do not even have the program due to funding.” Dr. Morton said. “Everyone has a role and responsibility regarding the education of our students, regardless of their position.”

Dr. Morton recounted briefly the life of Anne Sullivan, who gained worldwide fame as Helen Keller’s teacher. He closed the lecture with a challenge to students asking them, “Will you be the next Anne Sullivan?”

Morton was previously Superintendent of Education of Sylacauga City Schools and for Sumter County Schools. Morton has a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and a master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Alabama .

This year’s Keller Lecture also featured a dramatic reading by four students from the TSU Department of Speech and Theatre focusing on the special relationship between Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller. Students participating were Georgia Mallory of Prattville , Chris Minton of Naples , Texas , and Erin Turner and Chris Minton of Hoover .

The Keller lecture is designed to promote awareness of people who excel in their chosen fields despite physical limitations.  The lecture is sponsored by Troy State University , the Helen Keller Eye Research Foundation, the Alabama Department of Education, the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind and the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services.