Resources:

      Nevins, M.E. & Chute, P.M. (1996) Children with Cochlear Implants in Educational Settings. San Diego, CA: Singular Publishing Group.

Synthesis of Information:

*Advantages
• They attain higher levels on standardized tests of achievement than those who are not mainstreamed.
• They have superior speech intelligibility compared to those in contained classrooms.
• They learn to articulate more clearly.
• They have more speech models.
• They have more chances for social interaction. (Nevins, 195)

  *Disadvantages

• They sometimes lose crucial support services.
• They do not have as much individualized attention.
• It is not always the least restrictive environment.
• It can be a communicatively restricted environment. (Nevins, 195)

Insights:

I have to say that I believe that these are true for some children in some programs, but I would not necessarily generalize this for all children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Before deciding if a contained or mainstreamed classroom is best for your child I would recommend visiting the school and observing other children in the programs that are provided.

For More Information:

      Johnson, R. E., Liddell, S. K., & Erting, C. J. (1989). Unlocking the curriculum: Principles for achieving access in deaf education. Washington, DC: Gallaudet Research Institute.