Newswise — "No Child Left Behind," the Bush administration's education package, will continue no matter who wins the November presidential election. Its focus, however, will likely shift to early intervention programs, predicts Marcia Rock, associate professor of special education at The University of Alabama.

"We will see a re-emphasis on early intervention regardless of who moves into the White House," said Rock.

"The early intervention research is unequivocal. We know, without question, that early intervention services improve outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities," said Rock.

"These changes that will take place will only strengthen those efforts by refocusing on our greatest needs and where we see our greatest results."

Rock says we will see a renewed emphasis in reducing the achievement gap between children of color and children who are white and middle class.

"Instead of spending revenue widely across the board, we will be identifying areas that we know make a difference for children," said Rock.

"The goal of No Child Left Behind has always been to improve results for all children, and these changes will only strengthen those efforts by refocusing on our greatest needs and where we see our greatest results."