Assessment in deaf education: Perspectives and experiences linking it all together

Abstract

This article serves as an overview and introduction to the topics within the Special Issue: Deaf Education Assessment.This issue strives to establish the recognition of the importance of continued dialogue among stakeholders to support the diverse needs of Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students as it relates to assessments. The articles recognize that academic success in all areas and performance on assessments is related to many complex factors and variables. These are significant factors that influence the assessments of DHH and how those involved in the assessment process need to consider each of the factors.Deaf students are assessed for various reasons and numerous individuals look at the results to determine success, progress, additional disabilities, or interests.accommodations, assessment, deaf, deaf epistemology Assessments have a critical role in the education system, teaching, learning, and evaluation process. There are numerous individuals who assess students for various reasons and have a role in the assessment process. However, it is important to keep in mind the purpose behind assessments and assessing students, which is to gather relevant and needed information related to student performance, their progress, interests, as well as to diagnose any additional disabilities. These results are then used to make decisions related to their learning processes (Bennett, Gardner, & Rizzi, 2014). Educators are then able to reflect on the information, that is, gained or given to them, so that teaching plans can be customized and IEP goals individualized to create a positive and safe learning environment.First, for those that are not familiar with Deaf culture, it is important to understand how culturally Deaf versus nonculturally deaf individuals refer to themselves and each other. The use of uppercase "D" and lowercase "d" makes this distinction between a cultural ("Deaf") and an audiological ("deaf") view of one's hearing status (Lane, Hoffmeister, & Bahan, 1996). "Deaf" indicates a cultural membership in a community with a shared language and