September Update
First off, we would like to apologize for the slow process of updating this website. Many of us are very much focused on the Gallaudet Protest. For more information about the Gallaudet Protest, see www.gufssa.org.
We would like to commend the soliders in Michigan who have continued to push for equal access for deaf children. KUDOS! On Sept. 20th, last Wednesday, Dr. Steve Novers and Dr. Jay Innes attended their third and last Language Planning Referent Group meeting in Lansing, Michigan.
It was reported that the meeting was productive and the air was filled with optimism as Dave Sanderson, newly hired deaf State Administrative Manager for Michigan School for the Deaf, promised a new beginning. The ASL/English bilingual principles were drawn and finalized for implementation.
One attendee said, “It is still all talk so I’m waiting to see if Dave will follow through with promises made.” Dr. Innes mentioned that Dave is fluent in ASL and a culturally Deaf person so there is a positive outlook for MSD. Innes also mentioned that Dave saved MSD from losing $600,000, deflecting cuts by the State even though he had only begun his new job a month ago.
The focus this year at MSD will be the revitalization of the 0-3 infant program, which we all know is a crucial age period for language development. Dr. Novers and Dr. Innes will continue to work closely with Dave Sanderson. Dr. Innes jokingly said during the meeting, “Be sure there are no wedding plans for this upcoming summer so you can send your teachers and administrators to Gallaudet for the CAEBER training program!” Center for ASL/English Bilingual Education and Research (CAEBER) will move from New Mexico School for the Deaf (its birthplace and home for many years) to Gallaudet University. Dr. Novers, CAEBER Director, and his family will relocate to metro Washington D.C. area.
We hope Dr. Jackie Thompson takes note of the fact that over the past few months, MSD has lost a significant number of administrative team members, many of whom have been a positive force for improving the school: Darla Jackson, former Assistant Principal and Interim State Administrative Manager; Kim Bilyk, Dorm Director; Mark Bouvy, (position title? Accountant?); Kara Deschler, School Psychologist We are concerned about the high turnover rate and urge you to once again look very closely at the current leadership and climate of the school.
Concerned Citizens
