Ed466079 - Critical Pedagogy in Deaf Education

The Star School staff of the Engaged Learners project at the New Mexico School for the Deaf in Santa Fe has completed its fourth year of a 5-year federally-funded program. This project aims to improve language-teaching practices of teachers who work with learners who are deaf by providing training in current bilingual theories and pedagogical techniques, including Engaged Learning practices, through a convergence of Internet, Web, and distance learning technologies. The project promotes proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) and English for all students based on the belief that bilingualism enhances cognitive, social, and linguistic growth. This publication describes the projects fourth year activities and the overall project impact. Information is provided on: (1) participating teachers and mentors; (2) training materials; (3) teachers experimentation with ASL/English bilingual assessment for students with deafness and teachers written reflections on the training; (3) teachers utilization of technology while using ASL and English; (4) plans to refine and revise the staff development model in the projects fifth year; and (6) the establishment of the Center for ASL/English Bilingual Education and Research. More than 163 teachers and over 500 students participated during the first 4 years of the project.