Parents of children who are implanted --

[posts from hell]

That would be a result of the numbers. One can argue that yes the reports of abuse at public schools is higher than at deaf schools simply because there are more public schools than there are deaf shools. In my state there is only one deaf school and probably hundreds if not thousands of public schools.

That was not my reasoning. If you want to know, ask.

 

[Cheri]

I read the entire thread, It never amazed me how many people here jumped on a bandwagon and attack rockdrummer for his opinion. Sexual abuse has taken place at deaf schools/programs for many years and that's why many of those schools were closed down, deaf children deserve better. He has his reasons, caution and concern. I respect his choice, why can't you?

 

[rockdrummer]

I did not say that, but I want to make sure that we are on the same page. Since, reminder you this forum is in public on site. i d like to see other hearing parents who happen to have deaf children and checking out with deaf schools that meet Kids' needs by coming here on AD, rather than hearing how awful about all deaf schools are which isn't true. It will leads to make deaf schools look bad for public, and governemnt. governments are trying to shut deaf school down because of the finance issues and send deaf kids to the public schools. I don't want that. I want to see the deaf schools is going to be looking up as long as deaf kids keep coming into deaf schools. So governments won't shut those deaf schools down. Lots of teachers (even deaf teachers) are fighting to keep deaf school open. They are doing their best for the enire of Deaf kids.

I understand you and I think we are on the same page. What some people here don't seem to realize is that you can't just simply pack up the family and move to podunk so that your deaf child can attend a deaf school. It's not that simple and there is much to be considered.

The sad part to me is that there are so few deaf schools with some slated to be closed. Why cant there be good DHH programs at the public schools that offer the same level of deaf education that is found at the deaf schools... In some places there are. Believe it or not some public schools have outstanding DHH programs so why would someone pack up the family and move to podunk when their deaf child can get the same quality of education at one of the schools that offer a great DHH program?

 

[rockdrummer]

That was not my reasoning. If you want to now, ask.

ok.. what is your logic?

 

[rockdrummer]

I read the entire thread, It never amazed me how many people here jumped on a bandwagon and attack rockdrummer for his opinion. Sexual abuse has taken place at deaf schools/programs for many years and that's why many of those schools were closed down, deaf children deserve better. He has his reasons, caution and concern. I respect his choice, why can't you?

Thank you Cheri. The funny thing is that I would guess most of the people that are against my view probably don't even have kids of their own.

 

[posts from hell]

ok.. what is your logic?

• Constant supervision of employees. At the school I went to after the abuse happened, 24/7 of team supervisions, no more of a supervisor that is alone (at nights, etc)
• System Policies to make sure the supervisor knows where the children and the other supervisors are every 10 minutes.
• Higher education requirements to get a job than public schools. In Colorado you are required to have a Masters to teach, a Bachelors to supervise or be a teachers assistant. While the public schools you only need a Bachelors to teach (which isn't that high in my book.)
• Harsher penalties if you do it on a state owned property, around at-risk kids (Yes deaf people are "at risk).
• In depth background screening. (I know of a dude personally who got a job before the screening was done at a local public school!)

There are systems in place to protect the students. I'm sure there are more to it than what I know due to the simple fact I do not work there.
In the public schools there are countless times where there are 1 on 1 contact, while the deaf schools always strive for team of 2 staff with their students.

 

[posts from hell]

Thank you Cheri. The funny thing is that I would guess most of the people that are against my view probably don't even have kids of their own.

I have a deaf daughter.

 

[rockdrummer]

• Constant supervision of employees. At the school I went to after the abuse happened, 24/7 of team supervisions, no more of a supervisor that is alone (at nights, etc)
• System Policies to make sure the supervisor knows where the children and the other supervisors are every 10 minutes.
• Higher education requirements to get a job than public schools. In Colorado you are required to have a Masters to teach, a Bachelors to supervise or be a teachers assistant. While the public schools you only need a Bachelors to teach (which isn't that high in my book.)
• Harsher penalties if you do it on a state owned property, around at-risk kids (Yes deaf people are "at risk).
• In depth background screening. (I know of a dude personally who got a job before the screening was done at a local public school!)

There are systems in place to protect the students. I'm sure there are more to it than what I know due to the simple fact I do not work there.
In the public schools there are countless times where there are 1 on 1 contact, while the deaf schools always strive for team of 2 staff with their students.

all good valid points. I can't say that all deaf schools have those measures in place. If they did then how can you explain the recent reports of abuse? I know at my son's school there are at least 3 to 4 staffers with the kids at all times. At the end of the day numbers are the numbers and it only makes sense that (for example) 10,000 public schools would have a higher reports of abuse than 1,000 deaf schools. The more there are the more there will be... yeah?

 

[posts from hell]

all good valid points. I can't say that all deaf schools have those measures in place. If they did then how can you explain the recent reports of abuse? I know at my son's school there are at least 3 to 4 staffers with the kids at all times. At the end of the day numbers are the numbers and it only makes sense that (for example) 10,000 public schools would have a higher reports of abuse than 1,000 deaf schools. The more there are the more there will be... yeah?

I agree with that. Pretty obvious.

Thats why I only used Colorado as an example, I don't know what other schools are doing.

And also when a case of abuse happens at a certain deaf school, that certain deaf school is more likely to have systems in place to prevent it from happening again due to massssssssive media exposure.

 

[Mrs Bucket]

Thanks bucket. here is some tough love for ya. I learned that from Bott.

ooo careful there.. I just may like it! LOL!

Kidding aside, this is where I believe that supporting everyone ; hearing and Deaf is very important.

Since I have started the program I have greater appreciation for parents who take the time into their children's education. The same parents who devote their energies and efforts into their children's language acquisition; education comes naturally with language.

You see where I don't mention Deaf or hearing, it is because they have the same amount of respect from me. The fact they care so much for their children's education to the point where they show concern like you, RD.. that's where I feel attacking the system rather than attacking individuals works best.

 

[rockdrummer]

Thanks again bucket... sometimes I get the impression from some individuals that it's the deaf way or the highway. Personally I don't agree with that but I do consider what everyone has to say.

 

[WeeBeastie]

Thank you Cheri. The funny thing is that I would guess most of the people that are against my view probably don't even have kids of their own.

I have a Deaf daughter who will be boarding at the Deaf school if we can't move before she's starting 3rd grade.

however, I'm not against your POV. I completely understand wanting to protect your kids. I just don't think denying a child the best possible education because of a hypothetical problems is a good move. Maybe something will happen, but chances are against it. The odds are in your favor that everything will be fine. Just stay involved and teach your child how to protect themselves (stranger danger, bad touches, etc.) and stand up for themselves.

 

[Frisky Feline]

I understand, RD how you feel about the sexual abuse. I did not have experience about it while I went to the day programs deaf school.

I only speak for my hubby, i know he will kill me if he reads it. He went to hearing school all his life. He did very well in school but his social life did not do well. Everyone had been picking on him for years. so where have those teachers been? same things what you heard about the sexual abuse incidents with the deaf residental schools. I think nowaday those schools are more aware and be alert to make sure kids are safe. PLUS it is very important for the parents to have communicate with kids like they are in kids lives. I know its tough. I do worry about my own hearing kids that i have no idea what s going on with them in school. I wouldnt be surprised that they will make fun of my kids for being different because of their deaf parents. so there are every PROS and CONS. Communication is the key. :|

Oh MY BAD!!! My explanation was incompletedly and not clearly. I was trying to say that I do know what's going on with kids in school such as classes, subject and kids. However I have no idea what teachers or staffs are doing with kids without me being there and what if they were saying something so threatening to my kids for not telling me. What if kids are afraid not of telling me. That's why i am so worried about public school, where kids are attending. therefore I had to check on kids each day when they come home from school. They are not fans of my asking lots of questions, but it can't hurt to ask! So i would have a chance to study my kids behaviors and all on. I am not there in kids school 24/7. So Only way thing for me to communicate with kids about their on their daily basis.

 

[rockdrummer]

I have a Deaf daughter who will be boarding at the Deaf school if we can't move before she's starting 3rd grade.

however, I'm not against your POV. I completely understand wanting to protect your kids. I just don't think denying a child the best possible education because of a hypothetical problems is a good move. Maybe something will happen, but chances are against it. The odds are in your favor that everything will be fine. Just stay involved and teach your child how to protect themselves (stranger danger, bad touches, etc.) and stand up for themselves.

Right. I completly understand that but again, potential abuse was only 1 consideration. Where a child gets the best possible education would depend on what schools and programs are available in their area. I would imagine that your mileage will vary depending on where you live.

 

[faire_jour]

Well, that's it. I am withdrawing my kids from public schools. Wont send them there!

People will call me ridiculous for saying that, right?

No. I would respect your decision. I know plenty of homeschoolers/alternative placements.

 

[rockdrummer]

I am hopeful that someday in the near future that all of the controversy surrounding deaf education will be lifted and standards established and the quality of a deaf kids education will be consistent across programs. Here is an effort that appears to be striving towards that goal. Have any of you seen this and/or what do you think about it. It's called the National Deaf Education Project (NDEP) Here is a link to their website.

NDEP - National Deaf Education Project

 

[faire_jour]

Just pointing out that you don't really know how it is on the inside. :roll:

Again, I am willing to bet that there are MORE abuse at the public schools than the deaf schools.

I disagree. How many Deaf residential schools are there in the US? 60 ish? How many have NEVER had a case of abuse?

There are hundreds of thosands of public schools that have ZERO cases of abuse. Therefore, you have much worse odds at the Deaf school. It's math.

 

[faire_jour]

I have a Deaf daughter who will be boarding at the Deaf school if we can't move before she's starting 3rd grade.

however, I'm not against your POV. I completely understand wanting to protect your kids. I just don't think denying a child the best possible education because of a hypothetical problems is a good move. Maybe something will happen, but chances are against it. The odds are in your favor that everything will be fine. Just stay involved and teach your child how to protect themselves (stranger danger, bad touches, etc.) and stand up for themselves.

How does a 10 year old "stand up for themselves" when being held down and raped by two 17 year olds?

It is the mixed ages that worries me even more than staff.

I would NEVER send my child away. Period. A child needs a family more they need culture. Sorry.

 

[rockdrummer]

How does a 10 year old "stand up for themselves" when being held down and raped by two 17 year olds?

It is the mixed ages that worries me even more than staff.

I would NEVER send my child away. Period. A child needs a family more they need culture. Sorry.

That is a good point. Some of the abuse reported in the links I provided were from other students and not the faculty. Something that has an increased risk in a residential program.

 

[shel90]

I did not say that, but I want to make sure that we are on the same page. Since, reminder you this forum is in public on site. i d like to see other hearing parents who happen to have deaf children and checking out with deaf schools that meet Kids' needs by coming here on AD, rather than hearing how awful about all deaf schools are which isn't true. It will leads to make deaf schools look bad for public, and governemnt. governments are trying to shut deaf school down because of the finance issues and send deaf kids to the public schools. I don't want that. I want to see the deaf schools is going to be looking up as long as deaf kids keep coming into deaf schools. So governments won't shut those deaf schools down. Lots of teachers (even deaf teachers) are fighting to keep deaf school open. They are doing their best for the enire of Deaf kids.

Thank you Frisky and good posting.