ASL version

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English version

A four-part series about language acquisition, data collection and kindergarten readiness: Part 4

In the first video, we explained LEAD-K and how we already have similar laws here in Minnesota since 2007. In the second and third videos, we explained the laws we have for language acquisition and kindergarten readiness for Minnesota children who are deaf, deafblind & hard of hearing. In this fourth video, we will explain how these laws make a difference to children and families in Minnesota.

Part C Services Results and Part B Services Results

Part C Services covers children in special education (not just deaf and hard of hearing) from the age of 0-3. Here is a bit of quick data.

Children who left Part C (turned 3 years of age or left early intervention services) between 7/1/16 and 6/30/17:

• 110 children reported to have hearing loss; 32 of the 110 had cognitive delay/disability
• 73.07% of children who are DHH with no cognitive delays/disabilities exiting Part C were reported to be demonstrating early literacy skills within age expectations. 
• 75.64% of children who are DHH with no cognitive delays/disabilities exiting Part C were reported to be demonstrating early numeracy skills within age expectations.

Part B Services covers children in special education (not just deaf and hard of hearing) from the age of 3-5 years old or until they transition to kindergarten. Here is a bit of quick data.

Children who left Part B Preschool Special Education services between 7/1/16 and 6/30/17 to transition to kindergarten.   

• 133 children reported to have hearing loss; 46 of the 133 had cognitive delay/disability
• 76.4% of children who are DHH with no cognitive delays/disabilities exiting Part B and transitioning to kindergarten were reported to be demonstrating early literacy skills within age expectations.
• 88.50% of children who are DHH with no cognitive delays/disabilities exiting Part B and transitioning to kindergarten were reported to be demonstrating early numeracy skills within age expectations.

This and more data will be reported to the Legislature this year and published on the Minnesota Department of Education website. 

Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment / 3rd Grade Reading Scores

In 2017, the first students identified from the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening were tested on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCAs)/3rd grade reading scores last year, and their scores will be available this year (2018). We will see the outcomes of early identification from their scores, thanks to the memorandum of understanding shared between the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Education. Minnesota is one of the very few states that have data sharing agreements (numbers only, no personal information). The scores will be shared on the Minnesota Early Childhood Longitudinal Data System website. 

Children and Families Today

The children who were born in 2007 are now around 11 years old. These children and their younger peers are still on their journey through Minnesota’s education system and hopefully meet their milestones as they grow. These children and their families have the following programs and services available to them thanks to community advocates and our state laws:

• Newborn Screening/early identification 
• Hearing Aid Loaner Bank 
• Deaf Mentor Family Program 
• Parent to Parent Support 
• Deaf/Hard of Hearing Role Model Program  

Any questions?

We hope this four-part video series answers your questions about what Minnesota has in place for language acquisition, data collection and kindergarten readiness for children who are deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing. Our system is not perfect but we have the laws in place for kindergarten-readiness and language acquisition. We all want successful outcomes for students who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing. If you have any questions, please send us your questions through our online form so that we can respond. Thank you! 

Additional information

• Important update! The full "Students Who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Minnesota" report to the legislature is now on the DHH page of Minnesota Department of Education website.
• Did you miss Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3? Access Part 1 now. Access Part 2 now. Access Part 3 now. 
• Special thanks to Danelle Gournaris and Jessi Aguilar from Lifetrack Resources Deaf Mentor Family Program (DMFP) for starring in the video series to share this important information.
• For additional information on the laws and funding, please visit MNCDHH's Early Hearing Detection and Intervention page. 
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