OAS Sponsored Deaf Studies Curriculum

This project seeks to address the problem of poor development of language and literacy competencies among deaf students.  Our problem analysis in the Jamaican context has identified as the main contributing factors:

    * Lack of effective promotion of language and literacy in the early years of the child's life
    * Inadequacies of curriculum resources to meet the special needs of deaf students
    * Use of ineffective instructional practices and
    * Delays in early identification and appropriate intervention with children with a hearing loss

In an effort to address this problem a multifaceted program is being undertaken by the Jamaica Association for the Deaf to improve the language and literacy of deaf children.  The aspect for which funding is being sought, specifically focuses on curriculum development and implementation within the educational system operated by the Association.  The Association aims to address two critical aspects within this component:

1) Development of a Deaf Studies Curriculum and

2) Modification of existing Ministry of Education Language curricula to reflect the change to a bilingual - bicultural methodology

 

The project expects to develop resources in the form of a Deaf Studies Curriculum and Teacher's Guide.  The implementation of both resources is hoped to result in improvements in the self-esteem of deaf adolescents, in which young deaf persons are able to accept and embrace their deafness not as a limiting disability, but one which makes them distinct and unique.  Through the infusion of Deaf Studies in teh curriculum, it is envisioned that deaf persons will be able to develop skills needed to be independent, productive citizens of Jamaica.

 

The project further expects to develop resources in the form of an adapted MOE Language Curriculum and accompanying Teacher's Guide which fosters the Bilingual Bicultural Methodology.  A core group of 16 mentor teachers will be trained by the Gallaudet University and will be instrumental in training teachers on their respective school sites.  Lomg term improvements in the Language and Literacy results of deaf students are expected to result frim the implementation of bilingual techniques and strategies.