Family of deaf teen challenging top educator's statements

Miss-Delectable

Miss-Delectable

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KVOA News 4, Tucson, Arizona - Family of deaf teen challenging top educator's statements

A Tucson couple suing the state of Arizona is now taking on the state's top educator; Tom Horne.

News 4 has told you about the Kennedy family several times.

Their son, Chad, is deaf, and they say the state should pay for him to go to college because the Arizona Schools for the Deaf and Blind didn't do its job in getting him ready.

Chad Kennedy graduated from ASDB in May. He was named class valedictorian.

Chad graduated with a 4th grade reading level.

When he applied for various colleges, the colleges said he wasn't ready. Wendy and Charlie Kennedy say the Arizona Schools for the Deaf and Blind misdiagnosed Chad's reading disability.

The school's Assistant Superintendent, Doctor Robert Hill, told News 4 in past statements that a fourth grade reading level is the typical reading level for deaf graduates.

However, an investigation by the State Education Department found ASDB was out of compliance on several allegations.

State Superintendent Tom Horne told News 4 in an interview last week that the infractions found against ASDB "were minor" and he "had no criticisms of the school."

The Kennedys say their case is not minor and they have the documents to prove it.

This week, the Kennedy released this statement:

"It is alarming to us, and should be alarming to all parents of students in Arizona that the State Superintendent, Tom Horne, thinks these complaints are minor."

News 4 contacted Tom Horne's office. We're still waiting for an official reply.

News 4 also contacted the Assistant Superintendent at ASDB for a comment. Doctor Robert Hill said, since the matter is in litigation, it would be inappropriate to discuss it.

This isn't the last we'll hear about this ongoing battle. Keep it tuned to News 4 and kvoa.com for the latest on this developing story.
 
I heard about that story. My brother said that ASDB is a TC program. I was shocked cuz I thought it was a BiBi program...oops.

For the superintendent to say that it was typical for a deaf child to achieve a 4th grade reading level, THAT is WRONG! He is the wrong person for the job to have those beliefs. If that's the case, he needs to go or he will continue to hurt the school's rep and the children.

If I ever become a superintendent, I would never adopt this kind of thinking.

My brother said AZ education (both deaf and hearing) is one of the lowest in the nation. Ouch!!! (I said that cuz I was born and raised in AZ).
 
Thanks Shel90, I was going to ask what program they were using. I hope the lawsuit will causes them to change it to Bi-Bi program.

Is there a list where it list the level of education by states?? Like your brother said that AZ is at the bottom. I'd like to see a list online if that is possible. Thanks.
 
Oh joy.....................this article is gonna have the ricks and Hearing Exchange ers crawling out of the woodwork.
That's extremely sad that a valectorian only has a fourth grade reading level.
However, maybe this will be the flashpoint for some sort of educational reform in Deaf ed in Arizona.
 
deafdyke said:
Oh joy.....................this article is gonna have the ricks and Hearing Exchange ers crawling out of the woodwork.
That's extremely sad that a valectorian only has a fourth grade reading level.
However, maybe this will be the flashpoint for some sort of educational reform in Deaf ed in Arizona.
Click to expand...

I hope so too!!!
 
Buffalo said:
Never mind, I found it at Smartest State 2006-2007 and Arizona is the last one right after Nevada. Vermont is the #1. This is for the year 2006.
Click to expand...

I thought, Maryland School for the Deaf in Frederick, MD is number one in this country. It is the best Deaf school but I am wrong.

I am curious about The Learning Center for the Deaf??

Massachusetts 16.09
 
Kalista said:
I thought, Maryland School for the Deaf in Frederick, MD is number one in this country. It is the best Deaf school but I am wrong.

I am curious about The Learning Center for the Deaf??

Massachusetts 16.09
Click to expand...

I did my internship there....one of the best deaf schools I have ever worked in. I have no complaints about it and it is a BiBi program too.
 
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