Research about deaf children

This section gives brief details of – and links to – recent research which might be useful to the parents, carers and teachers of deaf children.

It’s not designed to be comprehensive, but will lead interested adults onto websites with further links into academic research.

High achieving deaf children

This is a report of deaf young people who, through their positive attitudes and determination, and supported by their parents, teachers and teaching assistants, have overcome many obstacles to become very successful.

Key findings

1. There are many deaf pupils achieving levels of success comparable to the highest achieving hearing pupils.

2. A main factor behind their high achievement is deaf pupils’ own determination and positive outlook.

3. A second main factor is the commitment and sacrifice made by their parents.

4. Most of the parents of the high achieving deaf pupils had empowered themselves rather than followed decisions made by
professionals.

5. Teachers of the deaf and teaching assistants made a significant contribution to the success of the deaf pupils.

Key recommendations

1. We should publicise stories of successful deaf pupils to raise expectations and to provide inspiration and role models for younger deaf children.

2. A main aim for teachers should be to help deaf children develop from a young age the personal qualities that are linked to success.

3. It is crucial that teachers of deaf children help parents understand the central role they have in developing language and communication in the early years.

4. Teachers of deaf children should aim to fully involve and empower parents at all levels in their child’s education.

5. Future research is needed to investigate whether the opportunities and support are available to allow deaf young people to turn their high aspirations into reality.

More details

LEARNING FROM SUCCESS: HIGH ACHIEVING DEAF PUPILS (2006)
Dr Stephen Powers
School of Education
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT
E-mail: s.g.powers@bham.ac.uk

ITV

SignedStories

Research about deaf children

High achieving deaf children

Key findings

1. There are many deaf pupils achieving levels of success comparable to the highest achieving hearing pupils.

2. A main factor behind their high achievement is deaf pupils’ own determination and positive outlook.

3. A second main factor is the commitment and sacrifice made by their parents.

4. Most of the parents of the high achieving deaf pupils had empowered themselves rather than followed decisions made by
professionals.

5. Teachers of the deaf and teaching assistants made a significant contribution to the success of the deaf pupils.

Key recommendations

1. We should publicise stories of successful deaf pupils to raise expectations and to provide inspiration and role models for younger deaf children.

2. A main aim for teachers should be to help deaf children develop from a young age the personal qualities that are linked to success.

3. It is crucial that teachers of deaf children help parents understand the central role they have in developing language and communication in the early years.

4. Teachers of deaf children should aim to fully involve and empower parents at all levels in their child’s education.

5. Future research is needed to investigate whether the opportunities and support are available to allow deaf young people to turn their high aspirations into reality.

More details

ITV

SignedStories

Research about deaf children

High achieving deaf children

Key findings

1. There are many deaf pupils achieving levels of success comparable to the highest achieving hearing pupils.

2. A main factor behind their high achievement is deaf pupils’ own determination and positive outlook.

3. A second main factor is the commitment and sacrifice made by their parents.

4. Most of the parents of the high achieving deaf pupils had empowered themselves rather than followed decisions made by professionals.

5. Teachers of the deaf and teaching assistants made a significant contribution to the success of the deaf pupils.

Key recommendations

1. We should publicise stories of successful deaf pupils to raise expectations and to provide inspiration and role models for younger deaf children.

2. A main aim for teachers should be to help deaf children develop from a young age the personal qualities that are linked to success.

3. It is crucial that teachers of deaf children help parents understand the central role they have in developing language and communication in the early years.

4. Teachers of deaf children should aim to fully involve and empower parents at all levels in their child’s education.

5. Future research is needed to investigate whether the opportunities and support are available to allow deaf young people to turn their high aspirations into reality.

More details

4. Most of the parents of the high achieving deaf pupils had empowered themselves rather than followed decisions made by
professionals.