Expanded Core Curriculum

The Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) for learners who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) addresses areas that are either not typically taught or require specific and direct instruction. The tool is designed for teachers and educational audiologists to assist with program development and to be a resource for IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) and IEP (Individualized Education Program) team members. There are eight content areas addressing academic and social learning needs.

• Audiology:

  The skills areas are understanding hearing loss, amplification management, and environmental management.

• Career Education:

  Skills cover career exploration and planning, occupational skills training, soft skills training, job seeking skills, and money management.

• Communication:

  Areas of skills are auditory skills development, ASL development, speech development,receptive communication, and expressive communication.

• Family Education:

  Skills of understanding hearing loss, amplification, family and child interactions, communication strategies, education/transition and resources, and technology are covered in this area.

• Functional Skills for Educational Success:

  Skills to develop are concept development, comprehension, and study and organization.

• Self-Determination and Advocacy:

  Skills covered are self-determination, communication advocacy, community resources and supports, cultural awareness, and using interpreters and transliterators.

• Social-Emotional Skills:

  Skills of self-awareness (personal qualities), self-management, support networks, personal responsibility, decision making, social awareness, social interaction including conversation skills, and conflict resolution are covered in this area.

• Technology:

  Skills necessary to access technology.

Social-emotional support and other educational needs are factors that the education team should consider when discussing the whole child approach of learners. The ECC discussion can be addressed during the educational meetings with the team, including family members. The reference on legal language on ECC falls under part B. (34 CFR 300.320 (a)(2)(A)(B))

Many states have adopted and adapted the Expanded Core Curriculum to fit their needs. The set of skills originated in Iowa in 2010 and has since spread across the nation. Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network adapted the work and released their Expanded Core Competencies for Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing resources in October of 2023.