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SFUSD outlines expansion of services, acoustical modifications for deaf and hard‑of‑hearing students
Summary
District special education staff reported hiring itinerant teachers, launching toddler auditory and total‑communication programs, acoustically modifying more than 40 classrooms, and preparing a one‑year plan with a three‑ to five‑year strategic plan to follow.
District Special Education Services presented a quarterly update on April 24 detailing progress implementing a strategic plan for deaf and hard‑of‑hearing students.
Presenters said the district contracted with educational hearing specialists, implemented itinerant teacher services starting August 2006, and opened toddler‑centered auditory and total‑communication classrooms. Annette Lim of the Educational Placement Center reported that 138 active students with hearing‑impairment codes were identified in the district; 12 participated in the first round of school choice and most received their top‑choice placement.
Facilities staff described an accelerated program to acoustically modify classrooms: "In this short time, we are able to accomplish about 40 acoustical modifications," a facilities representative said, and reported roughly $590,000 already spent on modifications and a separate $70,000 contract with acoustical consultants for measurements.
Parents and advocates at the meeting praised the progress but asked the board to expand staffing and technology at middle and high school levels. Kelly Hayden and Michelle Modena emphasized gaps in secondary placements and the need to plan for fast‑moving assistive technologies (FM systems, cochlear implant supports and closed captioning).
District staff said they plan to return in the fall with a three‑ to five‑year strategic plan and continue quarterly parent meetings and staff development to sustain program implementation.
What this means: The district is moving from pilot steps to expanded operational services for the coming school year, adding staff and modifying facilities to accommodate students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
