Deaf Education Today:
A State of Emergency
Prologue
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Deaf Education Today: Prologue |
About the Author Prologue Deaf Education Today The Status Quo Current Trends: SWC as a Microcosm Vision of Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center Epilogue References Sharing Ideas Home Page |
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The paper you are about to read provides an important historical perspective, a slice of reality about the state of deaf education in the United States at the time this talk was given, and the starting place for a change that is already well under way. As with any problem, a clear, honest recognition of the state of affairs is both the impetus and the prerequisite for real change. Dr. Jane Kelleher Fernandes, in her address to the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center Vice-Presidential search committee, not only named the problems, but her examples brought about that goose-bumps type of hope we all experience when we see one teacher, one parent, or—in this case—one school really making a difference in the lives of deaf children. Individuals and programs that are making such a difference can be found in every state in this country. Their collective knowledge and strategies—and the outcomes they produce—really do hold the key to equality in educational achievement for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. But what these people know rarely reaches those who need it at the time they need it most. Dr. Fernandes' talk illuminated and crystallized the spirit of Pre-College's federally-mandated mission: to share the best of that wisdom and support with parents and teachers of deaf and hard of hearing children throughout the nation in a way that truly affects those children's achievement levels and the quality of their lives. It was this vision, this hope, and this talk that brought Dr. Fernandes to Gallaudet. Together with individuals at Pre-College and throughout the nation, she has since guided a bold move to revolutionize both the demonstration schools at Pre-College and the systems through which support and information are provided to its constituents throughout the nation—at the same time working to keep the focus on disseminating concrete strategies driven by solid theory and real outcomes. Therefore, as the first of its "Sharing Ideas Papers," Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center is pleased to present the written version of the talk Dr. Fernandes gave in her bid to become its Vice President. |
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with comments or suggestions about this web page.Last modified July 25, 1997 Copyright © 1997 All Rights Reserved Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center
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