Self-contained classrooms and resource rooms have been an important component of the continuum of placements available to students who are deaf or hard of hearing. However, these specialized classrooms have been closing in recent years. A variety of factors are contributing to this, most notably the impact of cochlear implants. This article describes the factors leading to the closure of an elementary school resource room for students who are deaf or hard of hearing and the process of transitioning these students back to their home school districts. Implications of closing specialized classrooms for students who are deaf or hard of hearing are discussed.
Alexander Graham Bell Academy. (2008). Auditory-verbal education. Retrieved May 6, 2008, from http://www.agbellacademy.org/AuditoryVerbalEducation.htm
2.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. ( 2004). Cochlear implants [Technical Report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy
3.
Better Hearing Institute. (2008). The prevalence of hearing loss. Retrieved May 6, 2008, from http://www.betterhearing.org/hearing_loss/prevalence.cfm
4.
Chute, P., & Nevins, M. (2003). Educational challenges for children with cochlear implants. Topics in Language Disorders, 23, 57-67.
5.
Drinkwater, T. (2004). The benefits of cochlear implantation in young children. Sydney, Australia: Cochlear Ltd.
6.
Francis, H., Koch, M., Wyatt, R., & Niparko, J. (1999). Trends in educational placement and cost-benefit considerations in children with cochlear implants. Archives of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, 125, 499-505.
7.
Gaskin Settlement Agreement. (2005). Available at www.pde.state.pa.us/special_edu/lib/special_edu/Settlement_Agreement.pdf
8.
Harrison, M. (2007). Foreword. The Volta Review, 106, 233-235.
9.
Hyde, M., & Power, D. (2004). The personal and professional characteristics and work of itinerant teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing in Australia . The Volta Review, 104, 51-67.
10.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, 20 U.S.C. 33 § 1412 et seq. (2004).
11.
Johnson, H. (2004). U.S. deaf education teacher preparation programs: A look at the present and a vision for the future. American Annals of the Deaf, 149, 75-91.
12.
Johnston, T. (2004). W(h)ither the deaf community? Population, genetics, and the future of Australian Sign Language. American Annals of the Deaf, 148, 358-375.
13.
Kluwin, T., Morris, C., & Clifford, J. (2004). A rapid ethnography of itinerant teachers of the deaf. American Annals of the Deaf, 149, 62-72.
14.
Luckner, J., & Howell, J. (2002). Suggestions for preparing itinerant teachers: A qualitative analysis. American Annals of the Deaf, 147, 54-61.
15.
Luckner, J., & Muir, S. (2001). Successful students who are deaf in general education settings. American Annals of the Deaf, 146, 435-445.
16.
Miller, K. (2000). Welcome to the real world: Reflections on teaching and administration. American Annals of the Deaf, 145, 404-410.
17.
Moores, D. (2001). Educating the deaf (5th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin .
18.
Pollack, D., Goldberg, D., & Caleffe-Schenck, N. (1997). Educational audiology for the limited-hearing infant and preschooler (3rd ed.). Springfield, IL: Thomas .
19.
Reed, S. (2003). Beliefs and practices of itinerant teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing children concerning literacy development. American Annals of the Deaf, 148, 333-342.
20.
Vasconcellos, M., & Miller, K. (2000). A resource room for children with cochlear implants . Contact, 14, 28-35.
21.
White, K. (2007). Early intervention for children with permanent hearing loss: Finishing the EHDI revolution. The Volta Review , 106, 237-258.
22.
Yarger, C., & Luckner, J. (1999). Itinerant teaching: The inside story. American Annals of the Deaf, 144, 309-314.
23.
Yoshinaga-Itano, C., & Apuzzo, M. (1998). Identification of hearing loss after age 18 months is not early enough. American Annals of the Deaf, 143, 380-387.
24.
Yoshinaga-Itano, C., & Gravel, J. (2001). The evidence for universal newborn hearing screening . American Journal of Audiology, 10, 62-64.
