Education options for deaf and hard of hearing students

Residential school A residential school is an institution where students typically go and live full time while attending (staying in dorms during the week and traveling home every weekend). These can be private or state schools. All the students in the school are deaf or hard of hearing. They are often educated by deaf teachers or teachers who are trained in deafness. Some residential schools offer day-only options for students that are able to commute from home.

Residential schools

Private school for the Deaf *Irving, Texas (near Dallas) *Do not live in dorms

Public School (mainstreaming) Mainstreaming is when a deaf or hard of hearing student attends a local public school with hearing students. The experience can vary greatly depending on the support services the school has to provide and the needs of the student. There are many types of environments a deaf student may be placed in when attending public school.

Public School Variations Regular classroom - ● The student is in a regular classroom with hearing students and all instruction is from the classroom teacher(s). There are little to no additional support services provided for the deaf or hard of hearing student. Regular classroom with support services - ● The student is in a regular classroom with hearing students; however, there is some support in addition to the classroom teacher(s). (sign language interpreter, co-teacher)

Public School Variations cont. Resource Room - ● The student is in a regular classroom with hearing students, however, they leave the classroom for designated periods to receive special instruction (in the resource room). Self contained classroom - ● The student is in a class, separate from the regular classroom with hearing students, with a teacher for the deaf. The class is usually taught with sign language.

Advantages of residential schools ● Students will be around other deaf and hard of hearing students (as the campus only accepts deaf and hard of hearing students). ● Education is tailored to the needs of deaf and hard of hearing. ● Schools use sign language. ● Most schools offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs, where the students interact with other deaf residential schools. These activities can help foster a larger Deaf community for the student. ● Students build relationships and are involved in Deaf culture and community. ● Often there is access to strong deaf role models.

Disadvantages of residential schools ● If student stays on campus, they are away from their family for long periods of time. ● Students get used to a “Deaf world” and are not exposed to as many experiences in the real world. ● Students miss out on the opportunity to communicate with hearing individuals. ● Less opportunities to advocate for themselves in a hearing community (no need in a school full of deaf and signing teachers and peers).

Advantages of public schools ● Students are able to come home to their families after school everyday. ● Students learn how to communicate and interact with hearing people. ● The school will have specialists set up to work with students and provide accommodations to help them succeed in the classroom.

Disadvantages of public schools ● More isolated; only a few select group of people (students and teachers) can communicate with them through sign language. ● Larger class sizes ● Even if the student has a sign language interpreter, a highly qualified one, they may miss out on what is being said sometimes. It would be impossible for the interpreter to sign every single word that is being said especially in side conversations and group discussions. ● The deaf or hard of hearing student could be pulled often from academic classes for special services such as small group instruction and speech.

Your assignment: ● Think about what you’ve learned about education for deaf and hard of hearing students in America. ● Write a ONE PAGE PAPER explaining what you would do if you had a deaf child. Where would you choose to place him/her? Would you prefer a residential school? Why or why not? Would you choose a local public school? Why or why not?