ST BD ED-LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT
Effective July 1, 2024, the bill requires that language assessments be conducted for all children under six years of age diagnosed with hearing impairments. This initiative aims to track and monitor language development milestones, offering insights that allow adjustments in educational strategies and resources accordingly. This will help in early detection of language acquisition challenges and ensure that interventions can be implemented in a timely manner. Ultimately, it seeks to improve the readiness of these children for school and enhance their literacy skills in both American Sign Language (ASL) and English.
House Bill 4091 establishes the Language Equality Acquisition for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind Children Act aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children affected by hearing impairments. This legislation mandates the State Board of Education to collaborate with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission, as well as the Department of Human Services, to create a comprehensive language assessment program tailored for deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind children. The goal is to develop standardized language milestones and assessments that are accessible to both educators and families, thereby improving communication and learning outcomes for these children.
A notable aspect of HB 4091 is its focus on establishing an advisory committee composed of various stakeholders, including parents and professionals knowledgeable about deaf education. This promotes inclusion and representation of diverse perspectives in the decision-making process. However, concerns may arise regarding the potential effectiveness of the assessments and resources provided to parents, especially among those who may prefer different communication modes. The balance between the use of ASL and English poses an educational policy debate regarding the best approaches to support language development in deaf and hard of hearing children.