Educational Needs for Multicultural Hearing-Impaired Students in the Public School System

Abstract

This article provides information on the educational problems and needs of hearing-impaired students from three major multi-cultural groups, the Afro-American, Hispanic, and Asian. The focus is upon identification and programming for these needs within the public school system, based especially upon experience within the San Diego City Schools. The factors addressed include: demographic shifts and the dropout rate among these students, and cultural considerations for education. Specific educational considerations discussed include: assessment, programming, bilingual education, curriculum and instructional strategies, teacher-training and program models.