Miss-Delectable
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Editorial: Find alternative to closing of school for the deaf | argusleader.com | Argus Leader
The question of who manages education for hearing-impaired children is an important one to answer.
The state's constitution includes protection for hearing-impaired students so that their education isn't overlooked or shortchanged.
And figuring out which state department - the Board of Regents, which oversees higher education institutions, or the Department of Education, which runs K-12 education - is best suited for the job will help everyone involved in the issue find the right strategy.
It's good that the regents, whom the state constitution says is responsible for educating hearing-impaired students - are willing to work with the DOE.
Still, that effort does nothing to escape the fact that the South Dakota School for the Deaf, as it exists today, must close.
The DOE has no more ability to maintain the present campus than the regents do.
The deaf community has educated many of us about the fact that having the appropriate, supportive environment is crucial for quality hearing-impaired education and the overall well-being of hearing-impaired students. Certainly, everyone wants that for this state's children.
And for a while, South Dakota was able to provide that environment through the deaf school's campus.
However, that ability no longer exists.
Now, advocates, parents, legislators and state administrators - regardless whether those are regents or DOE officials - must work together to find today's alternative.
The regents have put forth a solid plan that represents a good place to start.
The question of who manages education for hearing-impaired children is an important one to answer.
The state's constitution includes protection for hearing-impaired students so that their education isn't overlooked or shortchanged.
And figuring out which state department - the Board of Regents, which oversees higher education institutions, or the Department of Education, which runs K-12 education - is best suited for the job will help everyone involved in the issue find the right strategy.
It's good that the regents, whom the state constitution says is responsible for educating hearing-impaired students - are willing to work with the DOE.
Still, that effort does nothing to escape the fact that the South Dakota School for the Deaf, as it exists today, must close.
The DOE has no more ability to maintain the present campus than the regents do.
The deaf community has educated many of us about the fact that having the appropriate, supportive environment is crucial for quality hearing-impaired education and the overall well-being of hearing-impaired students. Certainly, everyone wants that for this state's children.
And for a while, South Dakota was able to provide that environment through the deaf school's campus.
However, that ability no longer exists.
Now, advocates, parents, legislators and state administrators - regardless whether those are regents or DOE officials - must work together to find today's alternative.
The regents have put forth a solid plan that represents a good place to start.