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!
Yeah right. (Comment this)
So far my two kids have been at school for four weeks now (schools started earlier in Indiana, on August 14, and today marks the end of fourth week of school.) I'd like to share my first impression of ISD as school with you...
RSD and ISD are not really much different. Yes, there are more exposure to ASL for my kids and there are a lot of kids who do choose SEE or/and SimCom over ASL, depending on their comfort zones. Not all the teachers follow ASL. What really comes down is the dedication of the teachers... deaf and hearing... to help students succeed, with the support of parents. So far I have good rapport with my children's teachers who both are hard of hearing/deaf and I noticed that they did not have teaching assistants, a visible difference from RSD... more teachers than teacher's aides.
What makes ISD different from RSD is the number of students... ISD has a LOT more students than RSD, yup, so it provides more social and academic opportunities for my children, that I can't deny. Also, there are more deaf staff/teachers.
But that is my first impression of ISD. My children are still adjusting, making new friends, learning about school rules, etc.
I keep an open mind and a positive attitude about things in general and my kids need that, to make adjustment quickly and easier. Academically, RSD and ISD are not much different.
Okay, good luck with committees, etc.
Karen Mayes "
(Comment this)