ACADEMICS

MSSD offers an academically rigorous program with instruction that is aligned with the national Common Core State Standards. Classrooms are set up for optimal learning with visual access among students and teachers. Small class sizes allow students to have more instructional time with each other and with teachers.

All classes, programs, and services are conducted in American Sign Language (ASL). Students come from a wide range of communication backgrounds, with new signers receiving support through the Emerging Signers Program.

Teachers and staff understand the unique communication and learning needs of students and serve as language and role models, encouraging students to reach their full academic, social, and creative potential. We use a variety of classroom, bilingual, and technology-driven instruction approaches.  Classroom instruction is designed to address each student’s Individualized Education Program needs and goals, and it is transformed based on the student’s post-secondary transition plan. MSSD students are expected to graduate ready to pursue postsecondary goals and become active members of their communities.

1.  Students will acquire essential knowledge and skills, including those identified in the Common Core standards (American Sign Language, English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Physical Education, Health, Deaf Studies, Technology, Arts), in order to thrive and succeed in their post-secondary education and workforce.

 2.  Students will achieve, to the best of their ability, a full repertoire of American Sign Language and English linguistic and communicative competencies to use at their disposal in interaction with Deaf people, American Sign Language users, and hearing people.

3.  Students will be critical, creative, and reflective thinkers, decision makers, and problem solvers who effectively cooperate and collaborate to achieve common goals in life situations and groupings that reflect cultural, social, and academic diversity.

4.  Students will display emotional intelligence through a positive attitude, respect, and a healthy pattern of behavior toward themselves and others.

Students will design, refine, and initiate a life plan based on self-exploration and experience that incorporates knowledge of their rights, available resources, and effective self-advocacy.