James.Womack@f14.n300.z1.fidonet.org (James Womack) (03/28/91)
Index Number: 14515
[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]
Back in the earliest days of deaf education, deaf teachers came on
the scene in large numbers. When you look at the old films of
these people, their knowledge and command of English is
astonishing. Many of them went on to found schools for the deaf.
This required political and business acumen. Many served as able
superintendents and principals. They were mainly educated from the
standpoint of ASL being the first language upon which to lay the
foundation of other learning, including English as a second
language. In these recent years, fewer deaf people have a good
command of English and a lot of other basic academic skills. Fewer
are attending four year colleges than back in the 1960's and 70's.
Fewer are becoming teachers. Why? As the pendulum swung back to
oralism and English only approaches, Deaf teachers were left out
of educational policy-making decisions or shunted over into high
schools and away from elementary level. These young deaf children
were robbed of language and role models. Especially those children
were robbed of language and role models. Especially those children
who came from hearing households. They grew up with SEE signs, or
some other MCE. They came into high school with little practical
knowledge for the secondary teachers to work from. They struggled
through this daily grind looking forward to their graduation. When
they left, most dumped MCE for ASL or something very like it.
Today many of these ex-students express bitterness against
parents, teachers, the schools and what not. In all honesty,
parents did the best they knew how. Many could have done more. In
cases like Anne Stalkner, the parents literally make a difference
in how well a child acquires language mastery. There are other
factors such as aptitude, intelligence, age of onset, degree of
hearing loss etc. But when parents are involved there is a
difference. Opposite of Anne, is a kid I know. Jonas Saunders, His
parents were Deaf, used ASL and his mom was very much a part of
his educational experiences. The result, he good command of
English and you might in many ways call him a genius. Two people,
two communication methods and almost equal results. Parents can
make a difference. Jonas probably ( I said probably, kindly note
that) has a greater sense of his deaf self. He is proud of it.
Konstantin Tsiolvsky was so brilliant, science could not apply his
ideas until modern technology caught up with him. John Gregg
invented short hand that is in standard use throughout the world.
Who was Laura Searing, Eugene Hairston, John Goodriche and Laurent
Clerc? Why should they be important at all? You tell me about
them. Be specific, but you most likely have to refer to some
special book to tell me about them. They are just a few that
history hides an important fact about and consequently, deny a
certain group of people cultural pride.
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