Thursday | December 15, 2005

Forward This On!

The following is the job announcement for DDSD, edited for brevity:

*Job Title:* ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL – DETROIT DAY SCHOOL F/T DEAF
*Posting Date:* December 12, 2005
*Closing Date:* January 13, 2006
*Job Type:* Administrative
*Salary:*$62000 - $86170 ( annually)

*Benefits Eligibility:* The Detroit Public Schools offers a
comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes
medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage as well as
illness days.

*Reports to:* Executive Director

*Special Note:* SUMMARY: Provides the day-to-day operational support
for assigned school and related personnel to help ensure achievement
of school-specific goals and objectives. As such, is a key member of
the leadership team of the school

*Qualifications*

*Education:* Master’s Degree inclusive of 20 semester hours in
School Administration, Supervision, Curriculum and School Finance.
In the absence of the School Finance course, candidates must show
demonstrated experience developing and managing staff and operating
budgets. Must be able to provide evidence of compliance with State
guidelines for continuing education courses for administrators.
“ONLY CANDIDATES CERTIFIED WITH ENDORSEMENT FOR HI OR DEAF NEED TO
APPLY”

*Experience:* A minimum of five (5) years of certified teaching
experience in THE DEAF AND/OR HARD OF HEARING classroom with at
least satisfactory performance. The level at which the candidate
taught at certified teacher status and/or served in the capacity
will determine the level at which the candidate will be considered
for Assistant Principal. The level at which the candidate taught at
certified teacher status and/or served in the capacity will
determine the level at which the candidate will be considered for
Assistant Principal. APPLICANT MUST POSSESS FLUENCY IN SIGN LANGUAGE.

*Other:* Candidates must possess fluency in sign language.
Candidates must be certified in Special Education. Candidates must
submit, with the letter of interest and resume, a letter of
recommendation from the current, immediate supervisor; Candidates
must successfully complete a writing test, rating form completed by
the current immediate supervisor, an eligibility interview, as well
as the Gallup Principal Insight Interview and Teachers as Leaders
Academy courses at the Detroit Public Schools' Leadership Academy;
External candidates must also obtain and submit with the letter of
interest and resume, an application for employment.

*Method of Application:* Interested candidates, including internal
candidates, must submit (in person or by mail) a letter of interest,
current resume, letter of recommendation from the current, immediate
supervisor; copies of graduate transcript(s); and evidence of
compliance with State guidelines for continuing education courses
for administrators (external candidates must also submit an
application for employment) to:


Detroit Public Schools-Welcome Center
Attention: ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL – Detroit Day School f/t Deaf
New Center One Building
3031 West Grand Boulevard
Detroit, Michigan 48202

Please read this announcement carefully. Candidates who do not meet
the announced requirements need not apply.

Internal candidates must include in the letter of interest, their
current classification (job title); work location and telephone
number; file number; home address and telephone number; as well as
any other requested documentation stated in this job announcement.

External candidates must obtain, complete and submit an employment
application, copy of social security card, as well as any other
requested documentation stated in this job announcement.

Successful candidates are required to submit official transcript(s)
at point of offer to hire. Service outside of the Detroit Public
Schools must be verified by the applicant’s employer(s) prior to hire.

All interviews must be arranged by the Division of Human Resources.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide all documentation
(including copies) as requested. All documentation must be submitted
along with the letter of interest. Due to the high volume of
candidates applying for positions, we regret that we are unable to
pull individual personnel files to retrieve/copy documents.
Therefore, to assure the application process is not delayed, if you
are applying for multiple positions with the district, we strongly
encourage you to have available several photocopies of your
credentials to be submitted for each position for which you apply.
Documentation will not be accepted subsequent to the closing date of
the announcement. Incomplete information will not be considered.
Applicants requesting assistance during the application process
should contact the Office of Recruitment and Employment Services at
(313) 873-7101.

View the full posting at: http://www.detroitk12.org/cgi-bin/showjob.cgi?ID=498

*****
Starving for Access especially encourages those with a background and training in bilingual education to apply. Black Deaf candidates with a background and training in bilingual education would make excellent role models for the students, but anyone with qualified, bilingual credentials would fit this job. Complete fluency in American Sign Language is a must.

If you are applying and have a background in bilingual education, please email Adrean at creative@thetactilemind.com so Starving for Access may keep track of the number of qualified candidates applying for this position. Your name and contact information, if you choose to disclose it, will remain private.
Posted by Moderator at 14:23:10 | Permanent Link | Comments (14) |

Friday | December 09, 2005

Recent Letter from Jeremy Hughes

From: "Jeremy Hughes"
Date: Fri, 09 Dec 2005 14:34:43
To:, , ,       , ,       , ,       , ,       , ,       "Chris Hunter" ,       , ,       , ,       , ,      
Cc:"Mike Flanagan" ,       "MaryAlice Galloway" ,       "Darla Jackson" ,       "Robert Morris" ,       "Beth Steenwyk" ,       "Jacquelyn Thompson" ,       "Cecelia Winkler" ,       "John Austin"
Subject: I and the state superintendent, Mike Flanagan, have received
many emails regarding the School for th

I and the state superintendent, Mike Flanagan, have received many emails regarding the School for the Deaf and the Total Communication philosophy and methodology that has been in force there since the State Board of Education approved it in 1986.

It has not been possible to respond individually to each and every one of you, though each deserves to be acknowledged.  I am writing this email as a general response to all of you who have had the courtesy of contacting us with your concerns.

My personal visit to the campus to meet with Mr. Commerson has been interpreted by some as a complete endorsement of the demands that led to his hunger strike.  That is far from the truth.  At a point where his actions were beginning possibly to jeopardize his health and disrupt the education of a handful of students, it was important for us to understand what his issue was and get it off the street and onto the table, where reasoned discussion could occur.

I personally attended the meeting held at MSD, sponsored by MDA and the Alumni Association, and participated in one of the table discussions.  I was unable to remain for the part of the meeting where each table discussion group reported out to the larger group.  From the discussion at my table, however, and what I heard about the reports from other tables, I learned:

1. There is great support for the work MSD has done and continues to do for deaf children.
2. There is great support for Ms. Winkler, Ms. Steenwyk, and Dr. Thompson.
3. There is a desire on the part of some, and an openness on the part of everyone else, to review MSD's current communication philosophy to make sure that it still fits with the needs of today's students, in today's society.

I have also learned that, prior to Mr. Commerson's actions, steps were already being taken to review and, if necessary, recommend revision to the State Board's 1986 policy on Total Communication.

Because of the attention now being given to this, Dr. Thompson and I are planning to form a referent group (a special study committee) to review the 1986 policy in the light of what we know today about effective deaf education, and, if necessary, make recommendations for change to the State Board.  A referent group, in the true sense of the word, brings to the table organizations or individuals who represent all points of view.  But a referent group is not a contest to see whose point of view wins out.  Members of a referent group are expected to come to the table with an open mind, with the needs of deaf children as their central focus, commited to studying the research and statistics on deaf education, learning what successful approaches are being used in other schools and programs, and hearing from experts in the field.

This is what we will be doing.  In the process of doing that, no "baby will be thrown out with the bathwater."  We will not recommend change for the sake of change.  Things we have been doing that continue to be supported by the research and by proven results will be maintained.  I hope you will support us in this effort.

I also want to take this opportunity to make clear that I fully and completely support the leadership of Ms. Winkler as Principal of the Michigan School for the Deaf, as well as the leadership of Beth Steenwyk and Dr. Jacque Thompson.  My visit to the campus and my meeting with Mr. Commerson has been viewed by some as endorsing the views of those who may be questionning particularly Ms. Winkler's leadership.  That is not the case.

Best wishes to each of you for a happy holiday season!

Jeremy M. Hughes, Ph.D.
Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer
Michigan Department of Education
608 West Allegan Street
P.O. Box 30008
Lansing, Michigan 48909
517-335-0011
hughesj@michigan.gov
Posted by Moderator at 19:44:44 | Permanent Link | Comments (75) |

Dr. Laurene Simms at MSD!

Dr. Laurene E. Simms is a culturally Deaf, African-American educator and a professor/director of the Deaf Education program at Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C.Laurene Gallimore

Event: Bilingual Education Presentation
Where: SB (Service Building- the cafeteria)
Michigan School for the Deaf
When: Friday, January 13, 2006
Time: 6:30 to 9:00pm
Cost: Free

Sponsored by MSDAA

Posted by Moderator at 03:49:59 | Permanent Link | Comments (11) |

Monday | December 05, 2005

Michigan Radio Transcript

Below is a transcript from the interview on Michigan Radio. Thanks to Mike Leland for the opportunity and for sending the transcription.

DEAF PROTEST 1
12/1/05
MJL
  
A former employee of the Michigan School for the Deaf has been protesting outside the school, demanding changes in how children are taught. Michigan Radio’s Michael Leland has more.
 
05547   Leland Deaf 1                           :45                 soc
Ryan Commerson says the school should teach using a method called “bilingual-bicultural.” He says it would include teaching kids American Sign Language – or A-S-L -- as a first language, and require teachers to be fluent in A-S-L. Commerson is also looking for a legislator to sponsor a “Deaf Child’s Bill of Rights” in Lansing. Speaking through an interpreter, Commerson says such a bill is needed because current special education laws focus on those with disabilities.
  
“Deaf people don’t consider themselves disabled. We are a language and cultural minority. Our needs are just to get access to A-S-L.”
  
A Michigan State Board of Education official indicated he would look into what steps to take toward examining the school’s instructional policy.
There’s more information at Commerson’s Web site: starvingforaccess-dot-blog-dot-org.
DEAF PROTEST 2
12/1/05
MJL
 
A man who has been protesting outside the Michigan School for the Deaf this month says he wants the school to change the way it teaches children. Ryan Commerson is a former school employee who says reading scores would improve if the school used an instructional method called “bilingual-bicultural.” Class would be completely in American Sign Language, and all teachers would have to be fluent in that language. He also wants the state to adopt guidelines for deaf instruction, called “The Deaf Child’s Bill of Rights.” Through an interpreter, Commerson says deaf people are often treated as if they’re disabled:
 
“I don’t have any speaking ability, and I can read and write perfectly fine. I have a college degree. There are many people out there who are very successful without even having enunciation skills.”      :12
 
Michigan School for the Deaf currently uses an instructional method that involves several methods of communicating.   A state Board of Education official says he’ll look into Commerson’s demands, and see whether the school’s instructional policies should be reviewed.   There’s more information at Commerson’s Web site: starvingforaccess-dot-blog-dot-org.
Posted by Moderator at 20:39:36 | Permanent Link | Comments (22) |

An Interview with Ryan Commerson

 
An Interview with Ryan K. Commerson:
December 3, 2005
 
What was the exact moment you realized you were going to go on a hunger strike?
 
The idea came to mind about a month ago, but it didn’t become final until after discussing the idea with two close friends and feeling affirmed by their reaction to the idea. That was approximately a week before November 21st.
 
It was a month ago when there started to be some discord regarding the meeting on the communication policy. I felt that there was some dishonesty and avoidance, and felt that the administration was trying to blame me (evasive) for the fact that the communication policy not happening. All along they could have taken the initiative and starte getting feedback on how to change the communication policy but they did not. I felt that any action (stragetic planning committee) would just be another form of red tape that would reach the same conclusion: evasion and failing to act.
 
I felt stuck, like I was trapped in thickness and desperation and something needed to be done to throw off the whole thing.
 
Cece kept piointing the finger at me and the town hall group “see you didn’t meet with us” but who am I? I’m just a community member, I’m not a student, alumni, staff or a parent. Why wasn’t she working with them? I wasn’t seeing good faith effort.
 
What kind of thoughts did you have about your life in relation to this single act? Did you, for instance, feel that this was meant to be?
 
At first, I didn’t really have any thoughts in relation to my life, with exception of my health. I did worry a little bit about my physical safety. Then on the first day of the protest, while I was sitting on the ground under a pile of leaves to keep me warm, the realization hit me as hard as a 300 pound Buddhist monk falling on my head, that the experiences in my life have prepared me for this one act. I’ve gone through a series of experiences and the lessons drawn from each of those experiences have taught me understanding, determination, and courage to follow through with what seems to so many a radical act.
 
I knew I could handle hunger pains at the beginning, because I’ve experienced hunger before, just as I understood how to keep myself warm using leaves because I’m an avid camper and the earth has taught me well.
 
Did you have any fears about starting this protest? If so, what were they?
 
Yes I did, for my own safety. I was worried that I might do harm to my body by refusing to eat and wondered how long I could last before my body started to burn muscle for energy. I was also worried that someone might try to physically harm me. I’m not sure why this was a fear, but it was. Fear and misunderstanding are so real in people that sometimes they become angry enough to attack.
 
What was that first morning like for you? How did you feel when the students joined you?
 
That first morning was strange. There was a sense of omnipresent calmness. It was as though this day was meant to be, that it was supposed to happen. I was still sitting under a pile of leaves when the students apparated in front of me.
 
I had communicated with over the past few months and encouraged them to follow school rules if they decided to protest within the building, and so I did not expect to see them outside. Their appearance took me by surprise.
 
Naturally, however, the sense of empowerment permeated the air and there was a sense of unity that was both overwhelming and enlightening.
 
Did you encourage the students to join the protest? If yes, why? If not, what kind of correspondence did you have with them (a father mentioned you emailing students on their sidekick).
 
It’s interesting, I’ve been reading the blog over the last few days and I have noticed people writing that I didn’t encourage the students to join the protest, and others stating that I did.
 
I want it on the record that I have never denied having contact with the students.
 
I have been in touch with several students over the past few months, students who have expressed they feel frustrated and oppressed at MSD. Many of those students were looking for ideas on how to effect change. I discussed Saul Alinsky’s “Rules for Radicals” with those students and encouraged them to think of non-violent, legal ways they could protest without breaking rules.
 
I did not tell any of the students prior to Monday, November 22nd that I was going to go on a hunger strike. They knew, however, that “something would happen.” What, no one knew, with exception of a tight group of people who are close to me.
 
On the day of the protest, a mass email was sent out to people informing them of the Hunger Strike. Some of the people included in that distribution list were students at MSD that I’ve been in contact with. My reasons for doing so are twofold:
 
First, I felt they had the right to know what was going on. Deaf students are often kept in the dark, and are the last to find out (if). This is not equal access. Think about it, if the students were hearing they would have “heard” commotion outside or might have even “overheard” staff discussing the protest.
 
Secondly, I wanted students to have the same access to the information as others had. I wanted them to know from my own hands what I was doing and why. I did not want them to get a twisted message from audists around them. I felt the students should be free to make up their own minds about how they felt about what was being done and why—and the only way they can fairly do this is if they have all the information on hand.
 
Do you have a personal vendetta against Ms. Winkler?
 
No, I do not. Granted, I am angered by how much her unprofessional conduct harms students and staff. More, I find it frustrating that she gets away with such misconduct.
 
I want to emphasize that I left my job as a Long Term Sub working at Michigan School for the Deaf because I was fed up with the lack of consistency and the oppression there. I felt disheartened to the point of struggling to feel motivated to teach because I was so drained. When I left, I was given a glowing letter of recommendation from Ms. Winkler.
 
It was disturbing to me that Ms. Winkler viewed Deaf people as disabled, inferior to hearing people by virtue of their deafness. This is an audist view, which asserted itself in her actions, such as speaking without signing, or speaking and signing at the same time but dropping signs in favor of speaking. Other examples include not assertively working to implement the communication policy or update it, not addressing the lack of sign skills of staff, the low percentage of professional Deaf staff in comparison to hearing staff (especially in administrative positions), and allowing for oppression of staff by other staff (even when a complaint is made).
 
There are other examples of misconduct outside of deaf/hearing issues. Ms. Winkler did not give consistent consequences to students in accordance with the handbook. She often excused behavior, even when students threatened staff. She does not keep accurate documentation of staff misconduct, and does not always enforce policy. Ms. Winkler does not keep student information or staff information confidential. She often contributes to conflict between staff and does not allow for mediation, she often puts staff down in verbally abusive ways. As a result, MSD is a hostile work environment and staff as well as students feel bullied. The general atmosphere at the school is negative and staff have very low morale.
 
In sum, I do not feel she has the ability to provide the leadership necessary to implement a successful bilingual program, both because she lacks the knowledge and the commitment.
 
 
What was the darkest moment for you during those eight days you were on hunger strike?
 
I would have to write that my darkest moment was on the first day of the protest, when parents came to pick up their kids (those who were suspended). Some of the parents were so angry with me, they came up to me and chewed me out. Some were actually angry enough that they looked ready to hit me. It was quite nerve-wracking.
 
In that moment, I wondered if I could have handled the situation differently, so that they would not have ended up being distracted by the false idea that “Ryan directed those students to join him outside in the protest.” Was there a way I could have helped them recognize and focus on the real issues within the school. I found myself feeling as though maybe I should have told the students to go back into the school building. Not because I felt they did the wrong thing, but because this gave the school something to get people to focus on: me as the bad guy, rather than the school as unfit to meet students needs.
 
Also, that same afternoon a fight erupted between two fathers after one father used physical force on his son. It was so sad to see reality unfolding: that kids aren’t always safe at home.
 
What was the brightest moment?
 
There wasn’t really a single bright moment. Rather, there were multitudes of bright moments. So many people showed up to support us, they brought blankets, coffee, hot chocolate, hot water, tarps, chairs, heater, food for other supporters, and so on. Folks came from other states. People printed out blog comments and brought them to me so I would see how much support we were getting on an international level. Even hearing people, with no connection to the signing community stopped by to lend a hand. The community support was overwhelming and it was an affirmation of the quote” It takes a village to raise a child.”
 
What are some of your fondest memories from the week you were on hunger strike?
 
This question is similar to the one above. I would guess one of my fondest memories is the fact that my own parents came by every day to help with the protest. I was touched by the affirmation that my own parents “get it.” So many parents of deaf children are misled with myths and misconceptions that result in a shaky relationship with their child. Understanding the issues cognitively and understanding from the heart are two different things. I know my parents have always understood what I am fighting for, but until the protest, I was not sure if they truly understand the depth of the emotion behind the fight. Now I know they do.
 
What surprised you?
 
The level of support I received from the Deaf community locally. The local community was not as supportive as I thought they might be. I suppose it makes sense: if we’re fighting so passionately about the plight of Deaf Education here in Michigan, it is only natural that those who grew up here and were not exposed to other ways of thinking would not understand completely what the issues are. After all, they were not empowered by those who educated them. Many of them are examples of learned helplessness and internalized audism.
 
Many of the people here have not been exposed to language, and have missed out on many opportunities for incidental learning; hence their problem solving skills and critical thinking skills are not strong.
 
Plus, there’s always the fear of backlash.
 
You understand, there WERE people locally who stood up and there were people who attempted to understand the issues so that they could form their own opinions. I had hoped to see greater numbers, that’s all.
 
What disappointed you?
 
The two things that disappointed me most of all were: the fact that MSDAA was unwilling to get involved, even going as far as to oppose the protest, even though many of them agreed with the issues.
  
The other thing was the fact that none of the MSD staff were comfortable standing outside with me, even though several of them expressed their support. No one inside of that school felt safe joining me. I have listened to many of them complain about the administration for years, and many of them are unhappy with the educational philosophy there. Yet when the opportunity asserted itself, none of them joined. I guess the fear of losing their job or being ostracized at work prevented many of them from standing up.
 
However, I still have hope that some staff from MSD will grab onto what is a golden opportunity to push for improvements and a healthier work environment by writing letters to Dr. Jeremy Hughes and explain some of the frustrations they experience at work.
 
Which day was the hardest, which day did you feel like giving up (if at all)?
 
Probably either on Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) or Friday (fifth day). I was becoming increasingly fatigued and irritable. But it was temporary; I felt better the following day and pushed on. The thought of giving up never once crossed my mind through the whole ordeal.
 
One of the biggest ironies of the week is that on the day of giving Thanks, you did not sit down for a steaming hot meal. You were squatting outside in the bitter cold with a couple of supporters. What was “Thanksgiving 2005” like for you?
 
Ha… it was, to be honest, the best Thanksgiving ever. My usual Thanksgiving looked like this: whole family gathered together, everyone chatting and eating…and I am sitting back wondering what people are saying. I never feel comfortable asking my parents or siblings to interpret because I don’t want to burden them every year. My parents always feel bad, but what can they do?
 
So this year, there I was: sitting in the bitter cold with a few supporters who were fighting for access with hopes that this exact scenario doesn’t happen in other families. Learning a language is difficult enough without full immersion, and even more so when the attitude towards it is so degrading. How then, can we ask Uncle Henry and Auntie Em to learn? Perhaps if bilingual education becomes the norm, more people will be enthusiastic enough to learn ASL—enough to make those holiday gatherings more tolerable.
 
What kind of physical changes did you experience?
 
In the end, I lost 15-20 pounds. My hip bones were protruding and my cheekbones were more prominent, ew. I’m really glad to be eating again, I’m already too thin.
 
I did drink juice and water (hot and cold) while I was on hunger strike. I did not drink hot chocolate, or coffee.
 
Did you have any spiritual-energy experiences or moments of awakening while your body was deprived of food?
 
Actually, yeah. I seem to have more energy now, and a stronger sense of serenity. I think my body was detoxified in more ways than just physical and I now feel healthier than ever.
 
Was it worth it? Knowing what you do now (not only the physical sensations but the community reaction) would you do it all over again?
 
Oh yes, definitely. The support was astounding. I could not believe it, really. Now that I know in my heart that the world is as ready as I am for Deaf Education to get the makeover it so desperately needs, I feel even more inspired. I would do it all over again.
 
The response from Lansing was also reassuring. The general human spirit around here was overpowering. During the first 8 days I felt as though I was a member of a large family—the members all of the supporters that were with me and took us in at night.
 
Do you feel you succeeded? And if so, in what ways? Were your demands met?
 
Yes, I feel that we succeeded, and I could have not done it alone. The successes we had were due to the responses from the community. I could have sat through the entire week without a single supporter, probably without accomplishing anything.
 
The principal of DDSD resigned, but that was probably more of a coincidence in timing than a direct result of this protest. It was the hard work of passionate parents and community supporters in the Detroit area that triggered that resignation.
 
None of the demands have been met, yet. However, we accomplished something even greater: the entire state of Michigan now understands that there is another option for educating Deaf people: bilingual education. More parents are showing involvement, and are becoming more aware of different philosophies. There was a huge response to the communication policy meeting, with an astoundingly large number of people in attendance.
 
 Also, one of the biggest frustrations we’ve had is the fact that our complaints are not followed up on, and now we have all the issues on the table at the State level. They are finally listening and have set up a referent group to discuss educational approaches. I don’t think anything of this magnitude has been accomplished in a long time. We are witnessing a major breakthrough in the State of Michigan in terms of Deaf Education. Bilingual education is well on its way to feeding starving minds.
 
On the blog, there were requests for donations. What was this money used for, and what will any leftover money be used for?
 
Initially, the request for donations was for the purpose of helping some of the supporters who drove in with expenses for lodging and staying warm, as well as expenses related to maintaining internet (wireless fees) and other supplies, such as posters and markers.
 
Further money was used to compensate volunteer interpreters for their time.
 
At this point in time, any additional funds that come in will be used for the express purpose of setting up a foundation to benefit MichiganSchool for the Deaf. Many schools have such a foundation, and it is used as a safety cushion—should the state cut funding or if there is an urgent need for funding, such a foundation would be able to assist the school.
 
Freida and I are hoping to set up a meeting with two representatives from several different organizations: MSDAA, Michigan Deaf Association (MDA), Jr.NAD, staff at MSD, and parents. Those who attend the meeting will come up with a possible name for the organization and begin creating ideas for fundraising and develop guidelines for requesting and donating funds.
 
Is there anything you would do differently next time?
 
Honestly, not really. I believe that things happen as they’re meant to—there’s a reason for everything. I would not change a thing: I trust nature to take its course.
 
Interview by Alison L. Aubrecht
 
Posted by Moderator at 17:24:21 | Permanent Link | Comments (32) |

Sunday | December 04, 2005

Coming Soon:

"An Interview with Ryan Commerson" will appear here on Monday, December 5th, 2005. 
Posted by Moderator at 17:24:20 | Permanent Link | Comments (10) |

Friday | December 02, 2005

Letter from Dr. Jeremy Hughes

Good morning, Ryan!  I promised to get back to you before the end of the week to
let you know what was happening regarding the concerns you expressed to me and
MaryAlice in our meeting this past Monday.  Since meeting with you and the
others, I attended the meeting Tuesday night at MSD and stayed long enough to
get a good flavor for what the parents, students, faculty, and community were
thinking about MSD's communications philosophy.  Back at the Dept. of Educ., I
have held several meetings to discuss your concerns as well as the issues I
heard at the Tuesday night meeting.

Dr. Jacque Thompson and I have met.  Dr. Thompson has recommended and I have
approved the formation of a special committee (at the Dept. of Educ. we call it
a "Referent Group") to study the achievement of students at MSD and the extent
to which a communications philosophy and methodology contributes to that...as we
certainly know it does...and make recommendations for improvement or change.

The Referent Group would be an advisory group to me, as the Deputy Supt. and
Chief Academic Officer of the department.  It would be my intention, after
reviewing the recommendations, to present them to the state superintendent, Mike
Flanagan.  It would then be in Mr. Flanagan's hands to determine whether or not
the recommendations should be taken to a further step: presentation to the State
Board of Education.  This is the normal process by which issues like this are
handled at the Dept. of Educ.

When the Dept. of Educ. forms a Referent Group on any issue, the group is formed
carefully, to make sure that all points of view are represented at the table,
and that the group contains as well persons or organizations who are
knowledgeable about the research and the world of best practices (what others
out there are doing).  I needed you to know this so that you can be assured that
the concept of Bilingual/Bi-cultural will be represented at the table.

We plan to form and convene the Referent Group immediately after the winter
holidays, in early January.  Dr. Thompson will be meeting with me within the
next two weeks to discuss the organizations, agencies, iindividuals, etc. who
might be invited to join the Referent Group to make sure that it is a true cross
section of all those involved and those who would be affected by the
recommendations the Referent Group may make. 

It was a pleasure meeting with you Monday.  I look forward to seeing you again
sometime.  If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to email
me....though I have to tell you that I get 50-60 emails a day and it sometimes
takes days before I get to them all!

Happy holidays to you!

Jeremy M. Hughes, Ph.D.
Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer
Michigan Department of Education
608 West Allegan Street
P.O. Box 30008
Lansing, Michigan 48909
517-335-0011
hughesj@michigan.gov
Posted by Moderator at 13:52:38 | Permanent Link | Comments (27) |

A Letter From Ryan

A Letter to the Community:
 
Today is the 12th day of the “Starving for Access” protest and I have decided that it will be the last day I sit in front of Michigan School for the Deaf (MSD).
 
Why today?
 
There are several reasons. After reading the blog, you are probably aware of the meeting that took place on Monday, November 28th with Jeremy Hughes and other people from the Department of Education. During this meeting several things were agreed on, which led to a decision to start eating again. These past four days following the meeting have been an emphasis of sorts that we are not going to back down at the slightest indication that things “might” change.
 
Now, I am starting to feel restless and somewhat useless sitting outside when I could be doing more on a computer, writing letters and corresponding with people, answering questions and meeting with those who are interested in knowing more. My Deaf Culture class will be meeting with Senator Cherry on December 9th, 2005 and I will be attending this meeting. We are hoping to encourage her to sponsor the Deaf Child’s Bill of Rights legislation. She has a relative whose deaf son attends MSD, and we are optimistic that she will be sensitive to the issues.
 
None of what happened over the past few days would have been possible without the tremendous response from the community. Your letters, emails, postings, and actual presence here in Michigan have been the bulldozer that has made it possible to break through the wall of Audism here in Michigan, so that the light of equal access can shine on the children of our community.
 
It’s not over yet, but I hope that we will continue working together. We will continue to write letters and communicate with the community. There will be more meetings to discuss the Communication Policy. We plan to monitor the progress made by the Department of Education to ensure that they hold up their end of the agreement. We have recommended several people for the advisory committee that will be set up. And we now know that any complaints regarding Ms. Winkler’s performance as principal of MSD can be sent to Dr. Jeremy Hughes.
 
We are waiting for a director type of position to open at MSD and are anxious to see who fills that position.
 
Please continue to show your support. Though progress has been made on many of the demands made, they have not been met yet and we would like to see that happen soon.
 
I want to specifically thank many people: Kent Ketola, for being there night and day—you’ve been a rock,  Kim VanZuilen, for your excellent voicing skills and support, my parents and siblings, for giving me the support I needed to accomplish this, Adrean and John Lee Clark of Minnesota, for driving out to provide technical, mental, and emotional support, Christy Smith, for coming from Colorado to offer insight and for her inspiring energy, Mel Whalen, for her contributions from the trenches, Christa Roy, for tapping into her connections, A certain woman and her husband, both of who shall remain nameless for shelter, juice, and warm boots/gloves/blankets, Jessica Rogers, for having taken residency within my heart and being a solid source of unconditional support, John Austin, for working hard even through the holidays to make it possible for us to meet with the Department of Education, Jeremy Hughes, for taking the time to meet with us and attend Tuesday night’s meeting, Michigan Deaf Association for supporting bilingual education, Helen Boucher and Nancy McKenzie for making time to interpret for an important meeting, Kid Fedio, for all of the time, energy, and financial support she contributed, Fawn, for her solidness and enthusiasm, Yasmina, for the refreshing way she “gets” it and for always stopping by with refreshments and warmth, Sue, for giving us hope by reminding us of what kindness and being neighborly means, Adam, for stopping by to share his activist spirit, John Pirone, for not only coming to be here in person but also bringing the issue to the attention of the Massachusetts community, Parents of MSD students whose personal letters made it easier to go on, Tar, for being there and his mother for supporting him, Kenya, for her spunky energy and networking, Miss Deaf Michigan Pageant for donating money for lodging, Sarah Shaw and her family for allowing us to stay the night at her place, Stevie Naeyert, for being there and providing transportation, Alison Aubrecht, for coming in from DC to sit in with me, Jonathan Harucki, for building awesome shelter and fixing our sign, and to Mary Harshfield, for taking the time to make a great poster!
 
Thanks, also, to the countless supporters who brought warm blankets, socks, drinks, heaters, juice, and so much more. Thank you also, to every one of you who posted a comment on the blog or wrote letters. It means so much.
 
Most of all, thank you for keeping that light of hope burning brightly. I am confident, more than I was 13 days ago, that we are well on our way to improving the conditions of Deaf Education.
 
Best Wishes,
Ryan K. Commerson
 
 
Posted by Moderator at 12:49:46 | Permanent Link | Comments (215) |

Thursday | December 01, 2005

Michigan Radio!

These past few days things have been happening so fast, it has been hard to keep up with updating the blog. Here are some highlights of what has been going on:
 
On Tuesday, John Pirone (Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of the Deaf) showed up. He stayed with Ryan and attended the meeting on the Communication Policy at MSD on Tuesday evening. He returned home on Thursday morning.
 
Also, on the previous day (Monday) a local man named Adam Gerics showed up to chat with Ryan. He, too, went on hunger strike awhile ago, with hopes of saving the historic district of Flint. He came to see Ryan on his 8th day and told Ryan that on his 8th day, he hit the wall. He was interested enough in the issues to attend the meeting on Tuesday evening.
 
Wednesday was a quiet day. Ryan has been eating since his meeting on Monday (not before then) with Jeremy Hughes. He started with light fare (smoothies) and is increasingly eating more. For those who are confused, he did not eat on Thanksgiving day. Rather, he had a meal with a community supporter (Sue) who was kind enough to share Thanksgiving leftovers with Ryan and some supporters on Tuesday night. Ryan stated it was a very nice meal and he was touched by the gesture.
 
Ryan was interviewed by Mike Leland of Michigan Radio (Ann Arbor) via an interpreter.
 
A local celebrity- Judy Vardon (Extreme Makeover) stopped by to sit with Ryan. She brought sushi and dontated other things.
 
Though Ryan is eating, he continues to sit in outside of the grounds of Michigan School for the Deaf until someone sponsors the Deaf Child Bill of Rights.
 
Today, Thursday, December 1, 2005, National Public Radio aired a short interview between Todd Mundt and Ryan Commerson. They discussed his demands and the protest. Supporters of Ryan felt that the report showed the protest and the Department of Education’s involvement in a positive light. Ryan has requested a written transcript of the aired interview so that it may be posted on the blog.
 
It is the 11th day of the protest, and Ryan is sitting outside in the cold. It is snowing lightly and he is cautiously optimistic.
 
People in the community are upbeat about the progress made on Tuesday night during the meeting, but are concerned about the possibility of losing momentum before meeting again.
 
Please keep those letters pouring in and the pressure on.
 
Thank you for all of the support, the challenging thoughts, and your willingness to contribute your time to the cause. Please do not send any more money at this point in time. Your letters will make more of a difference.
Posted by Moderator at 20:38:21 | Permanent Link | Comments (14) |