Author: admin

Deaf School vs. Mainstream Education

Benefits of Mainstream Education:
1. Real World Experience (Deaf Individual surrounded by 5. Specialists come in to pull out intensive therapy in
Hearing Individuals) subjects as needed
2. Potential for more rigorous academic standards 6. Children can continue living at home
3. More access to academic, vocational, and extracurricular activities 7. Emphasis and high standards for Standard English use
4. Provided with an interpreter as needed during instruction

1. Because Deaf
students are surrounded by hearing individuals, the potential for socialization is limited, often isolating the student with their interpreter. Deaf schools teach the same advocacy skills in a language rich setting.

2. Mainstreaming
offers one size fits all lessons so if a student can’t keep up, they fall behind with little chance to catch up. Deaf schools offer more individualized education to fit a student’s needs and abilities.

3. While mainstream
schools often have more
opportunities for activities, Deaf students may struggle to fit in to these activities due to language or cultural barriers. Deaf schools often have similar opportunities but Deaf students can be fully vested without the language
obstacles.

4. Interpreters are
often a student’s only path
for communication with staff and peers, which can be isolating. Deaf schools have teachers and peers that communicate in the same way, so everyone has direct access to instruction and
socialization.

5. Mainstream schools
emphasize inclusion, however therapists usually need to pull out students into a separate room, meaning students miss instruction. Deaf schools often provide in class services so students continue to receive instruction while getting
the services they need.

6. Deaf schools offer
day programs for students who live close to campus and prefer to live at home. Those who live too far away or prefer the socialization opportunities are provided with a dorm and staff to make sure homework is done, teeth are brushed, etc.

7. Mainstream schools
have high standards for
written English for all
students. Often, grammar is a
major portion of a writing piece grade. However this approach often does not take into account that English is not a Deaf student’s first language. Teachers trained in Deaf Education understand this gap and take extended time to teach the language rules that Hearing children learn from overhearing but that
Deaf students miss.
Language development is the most important skill that Deaf students need direct instruction in,
but is often the most
missed by mainstream
education.

It is important to note that there are many varied and valid arguments both for and against Deaf Schools and mainstreaming settings alike. Historically, most individuals have only been presented with one side of the argument. This pamphlet is designed to show both sides, in order to give parents more information before a decision is made. All of these facts and more can be found online through accredited websites. Now that the other side has been presented, the hope is that you will take the time to research both thoroughly to decide what is best for you and your child.

My Child has a
hearing loss…
Now What?

Learn about:
-The American Sign Language
Choice
-Looking ahead to your child’s
schooling: Deaf School or
Mainstream education.