August 2006: Update
Summer is fast fading as the new school year draws near. We would like to address a couple of things before we all return to the business of educating our Deaf children as well as the professionals working with them.
First, we would like to take a moment to recognize Darla Jackson, a former teacher, assistant principal, and interim State Administrative Manager of Michigan School for the Deaf. Mrs. Jackson has taken a new job as a Supervisor of Special Education in another district. She is a kind soul who has been a supporter of the ASL/English Bilingual approach throughout this time of struggle. We are sad to see her go and wish her best of the luck.
At the National Association of the Deaf's 48th Biennial Conference in Palm Desert, California, the term "Deafhood" was the buzz word of the week. The individuals leading the discussions were David Eberwein, Dr. Genie Gertz, and Ella Mae Lentz. We received a word that the trio may be coming to Michigan soon. Many exciting things have been happening in Flint, Michigan. We congratulate the Signing Community of Michigan for keeping up to date with the rest of the nation with regard to Deaf Education and Deaf people's journey to self-actualization.
Finally, the interviews for a new State Administrative Manager of MSD have taken place. We were told that the process was fair. The State Director of Special Education, Dr. Jackie Thompson, invited a number of Deaf individuals from MSD to serve on panel to observe the interview process. The two finalists are: Mr. David Sanderson of Michigan and Dr. Walter Kelley of Texas. As she makes the final decision, we would like Dr. Thompson to consider a few things:
1. Ensure that the candidate is fluent in ASL and English.
2. Ensure that the candidate does not SimCom- respect both languages.
3. Ensure that the candidate understands the importance of ASL/English Bilingual Education.
4. Ensure that the candidate has the ability to lead and build bridges.
5. Appoint a governing Board with Deaf professionals as the majority to oversee MSD and the new State Administrator's operations- to serve as the check and balance of the operations.
The list above, we feel, is absolutely critical to the advancement of the Deaf Education in the State of Michigan.
We look forward to the announcement of the new "SAM" and to the next Language Planning Referent Group meeting with Dr. Steve Nover and Dr. Jay Innes on September 20th at the address below:
Holiday Inn South
6820 South Cedar Street
Lansing, MI
9:00am to 4:30pm
The Referent Group meeting is open to public. You can come and observe the proceedings. We encourage especially parents to attend!
See you in September!
First, we would like to take a moment to recognize Darla Jackson, a former teacher, assistant principal, and interim State Administrative Manager of Michigan School for the Deaf. Mrs. Jackson has taken a new job as a Supervisor of Special Education in another district. She is a kind soul who has been a supporter of the ASL/English Bilingual approach throughout this time of struggle. We are sad to see her go and wish her best of the luck.
At the National Association of the Deaf's 48th Biennial Conference in Palm Desert, California, the term "Deafhood" was the buzz word of the week. The individuals leading the discussions were David Eberwein, Dr. Genie Gertz, and Ella Mae Lentz. We received a word that the trio may be coming to Michigan soon. Many exciting things have been happening in Flint, Michigan. We congratulate the Signing Community of Michigan for keeping up to date with the rest of the nation with regard to Deaf Education and Deaf people's journey to self-actualization.
Finally, the interviews for a new State Administrative Manager of MSD have taken place. We were told that the process was fair. The State Director of Special Education, Dr. Jackie Thompson, invited a number of Deaf individuals from MSD to serve on panel to observe the interview process. The two finalists are: Mr. David Sanderson of Michigan and Dr. Walter Kelley of Texas. As she makes the final decision, we would like Dr. Thompson to consider a few things:
1. Ensure that the candidate is fluent in ASL and English.
2. Ensure that the candidate does not SimCom- respect both languages.
3. Ensure that the candidate understands the importance of ASL/English Bilingual Education.
4. Ensure that the candidate has the ability to lead and build bridges.
5. Appoint a governing Board with Deaf professionals as the majority to oversee MSD and the new State Administrator's operations- to serve as the check and balance of the operations.
The list above, we feel, is absolutely critical to the advancement of the Deaf Education in the State of Michigan.
We look forward to the announcement of the new "SAM" and to the next Language Planning Referent Group meeting with Dr. Steve Nover and Dr. Jay Innes on September 20th at the address below:
Holiday Inn South
6820 South Cedar Street
Lansing, MI
9:00am to 4:30pm
The Referent Group meeting is open to public. You can come and observe the proceedings. We encourage especially parents to attend!
See you in September!
