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Deaf Education in Idaho
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Deaf Students
The State Board of Education believes every child should have
the opportunity to succeed, including deaf and hard of hearing
students. Two years ago in July 2005, the Board created a
committee to examine rules, statutes, programs, and policies
serving blind and visually impaired and deaf and hard of hearing
students. This committee included a variety of stakeholders and
met for six months, including hosting a town hall style meeting
in Gooding. The committee produced a report outlining areas in
need of improvement. Issues included teacher certification,
separating deaf and blind education programs, transportation,
funding, and organizational structure were discussed.
After identifying general issues of concern, the Board appointed
a workgroup in July 2006 create a timeline for action and a list
of specific actions to improve the education of deaf and hard of
hearing students. The workgroup met and formulated next steps in
enhancing blind and visually impaired education. To complete the
tasks outlined by the workgroup, a transition committee is now
working to accomplish specific activities meeting deadlines
established by the State Board of Education. The first step is
to create deaf and hard of hearing education standards. While
the state has academic standards in place, no deaf and hard of
hearing education standards exist. After the standards are
written, they will be presented for public comment and forwarded
to the Legislature in 2008 for approval. The transition
committee will also create a structure for more equitable
services for students statewide and funding model to accomplish
expanded services for students.
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