Academics

Kansas School for the Deaf is accredited by the State of Kansas and North Central Accreditation Association (NCA). All academic curricula have been aligned to the Kansas Department of Education's State Standards and Extended Standards. Students at specific grade levels participate in state and local assessments as mandated by state law and policy.

KSD uses a school improvement plan to promote excellence through continuous improvement. Its improvement process involves all stakeholders (parents, students, staff, and community members) in developing a shared vision, determining current achievement levels, and developing a school improvement plan. This process fulfills our responsibility for accreditation.

Throughout the elementary program, children receive instruction primarily in grades K-6 self-contained classrooms. The secondary instructional program, grades 7-12 is taught by teachers who teach separate academic courses while planning cooperatively for career or interest-based connections between subjects. In addition to core academic classes, students choose other classes to match their own interests and aspirations. Students have many choices for after school extra-curricular activities including athletics, performing arts, and service learning projects.

Language Experience

The Instructional Services offers a number of programs such as ASL Immersion, Study of ASL, Academic courses, Reading Intervention, Deaf Studies, ASL Maintenance classes. These programs are designed to assist the Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and their families with the acculturation of our school and community.

• KSD offers a barrier-free language environment for students.
• KSD is a school where both American Sign Language [ASL] and English are equally respected and taught.
• Students have complete access to the curriculum and extra-curricular activities in their primary language.
• Students receive direct instruction in their primary language and have social opportunities with peers who can communicate fluently in their shared language.
• Speech-Language services are available to students who demonstrate the need for such support as determined by the student's IEP.
• American Sign Language [ASL] tutoring is available for students who demonstrate the need for such support.

Dual Placement

Interaction between Deaf/hard of hearing students and hearing students in an integrated setting can be valuable, desirable and educationally appropriate. There are opportunities for a broader range of academic, vocational, and social experiences. The option for KSD students to take courses in the Olathe Public school is determined by the student's needs, abilities, and desires with input and feedback from classroom teachers, LEA, parents and school administrators. Dual placement is addressed and determined at the IEP meeting.

Students interested in taking one or more classes in the Olathe public school will need to follow the set policies and procedures. The initial contact needs to be made with the IEP Coordinator. A copy of the Dual Placement guidelines is available upon request.