Elements of the Model

Class Size

• Small (10 - 14 children in each classroom)
• Inclusive: Deaf and hard of hearing children educated alongside hearing peers
  

Faculty

• Master's level educator and speech pathologist in each classroom
• Commitment to professional development
• Trans-disciplinary support teams (Occupational therapy, audiology, psychology)

Class Make-Up

• One or two children with hearing loss in each classroom (15% students with hearing loss in the school)
• Hearing peers must be strong language model

Curriculum

• Progressive, conceptual, and developmental curriculum with individualization
• Theme-based curriculum provides context for learning

Special Focus

• Language and literacy programs (e.g., Mouth Time, Sound Spot)
• Arts and Sciences (drama, art, music, library, physical education, science)
• Emphasis on social cognition, collaboration and responsibility