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Bilingual Education and Philosophy

The Ernest C. Drury Elementary School for the Deaf uses a bilingual - bicultural approach to educating our Deaf students. This approach promotes American Sign Language (ASL) as the first language and English as the second language.

The Parallel Model, which is a bilingual education model, is currently being used at Ernest C. Drury Elementary. This model uses ASL as the language of dialogue, and uses both ASL and English as the language of instruction and of study. As a result, ASL proficiency creates teaching and learning experiences that increase the academic achievement of every student. This model not only has benefits for the student within the classroom but also extends to his/her life outside of the school environment.

Moreover, the Parallel Model utilizes ASL that our students are most masterful with, and shows the students how the functions and contents of ASL transform into English equivalents (vice versa). As a result, the students acquire ASL and English in a bilingual connection. This approach also applies to students using two languages to develop reading skills in English. A stronger ASL base leads to stronger English skills, which is very much needed to succeed in our highly technical 21st century.

The five “Bilingual Bicultural Education for Your Deaf Child” principles as supported by the Ministry of Education are as follows:

1. Child-centered education
2. Development of literacy skills in ASL and English
3. Understanding and appreciation of Deaf culture
4. Appreciation of cultural diversity
5. Development of a positive self image

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