No, I get what you are saying.... I agree that EVERY child should be exposed, but unfortuantely, (as in my case) the need for sign becomes less and less. No, my daughter hasn't had that happen and yes, I could definitely see that happening to some deaf people- but I have to be honest with you- come HELL or high water, my son will get EVERYTHING that he is entitled to- and he does. I don't ask for more, but I certainly will not accept less. I have gone to great lengths to make sure that the staff is well educated, gone to training PRIOR to working with him and that there is not only a FM system in place, but a note taker and well as all the lessons are tape recorded and typed for him. I'm not taking ANY chances with his right to equal access and if that even meant an interpreter, it would be done. I don't think it's fair for any child to be sitting in a classroom living in lalala land because he or she does not have the proper accomodations. I wish more parents were like me, but unfortunately, they aren't- and those are the children who do struggle ( I have seen it firsthand with a hh child in my son's class whose parents could care LESS what type of services the child gets. That really makes my blood boil. And to be honest, I really do wish that there was this "perfect" setting that FJ seems to be looking for. But unfortunately- there isn't so I do what I can to make sure he's on a level playing field with everyone.
I do also have to say, that I am in a district where I have seen the teachers go over and beyond the call of duty. It's truly amazing. My son has MISSED a ton of school this year from surgery and complications and his teacher (and NOT his TOD- that's another story and thank God it will not be her next year) has spent hours off the clock working with him to make sure that he did not fall behind. We just got back his social studies scores for the NY State test and he got a 4 (the highest level). I am grateful to the teacher to making sure that this child was educated as well as his hearing peers.