SPE(E)D-STER: Studies show that dropout rates for special education students are falling; what’s the reason? EdWeek blogger Matthew Lynch credits edtech as a contributing factor. But some states are further along in their tech-supported SPED efforts than others. Lynch calls out the Arizona Department of Ed’s recent $260,000 grants for assistive education efforts in district schools. The grant provides special need students with electronic pens, personalized iPads, and notebook-sized computers.