Educational Service Guidelines for the Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Standard 18: Statement of Purpose

The programs and services for children/youth who are deaf and hard of hearing have a clear statement of purpose, including outcomes for expected learning, communication competency, and social/emotional well-being. The statement addresses the critical need for equal opportunity in each of these areas. Ohio Administrative Code: 3301-35-06(A)

An essential element of systematic improvement is a clear statement of purpose. To ensure the statement truly guides the programs and services, it must be developed as a result of wide community participation and reflect a consensus of all interested community members. The statement provides the foundation for establishing expected learning results. The statement identifies the knowledge, skills, and understanding students should possess when they transition from the educational system. The statement supports the development of content and performance standards. The statement of purpose includes the vital role of communication and technology in the development and education of children who are deaf/hard of hearing.