Using listening skills and speechreading, the children learn to speak much as children with normal hearing do, given the right intervention. An early start, appropriate auditory technology and consistent input and expectations from family, teachers and caregivers will provide the necessary tools for children to communicate effectively. The ability to read, in turn, is critical to learning in all academic areas. Elements of successful oral deaf education Successful oral deaf education requires full time immersion in spoken language. Teachers must be highly trained and provide spoken language instruction throughout the day in all activities.
Spoken language is the only language used by children at all times.
The curriculum prepares children for mainstreaming. You should also ask about the success the school's alumni have achieved academically, socially and linguistically. Talk with some older students yourself if at all possible. There is also a wealth of information on oral deaf education in the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing web site. The experience of thousands of oral deaf children and adults stands as a testimony to the success of oral deaf education methods.