ANNUAL REPORT
2020 – 2021
Our Vision, Mission & Beliefs Cultural Linguistic Perspective
Goals & Aspirations
Highly Specialized Staff
High Expectations
Vision Children and students in New Mexico who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing will become lifelong learners and contributing, well-rounded successful individuals in an increasingly global society.
Communication Access
Mission Technology
Diversity
The mission of the New Mexico School for the Deaf (NMSD), New Mexico’s first public school, is to provide for the unique needs of children and students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, their families, and professional partners by providing a comprehensive array of school and statewide programs. As a school, NMSD provides an American Sign Language and English bilingual learning environment that includes direct, ongoing access to language and communication in and out of the classroom with a wide range of peers and adults. The students are interactive learners who receive dynamic high quality standards-based instruction in a variety of curricular and extra-curricular activities. As a statewide service agency, NMSD collaborates with families, school districts, agencies and communities throughout the state to meet the critical language, communication, and learning needs of children and students in New Mexico who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, birth through high school. Early Engaged Learning Learning
Student Strengths
Families
ASL & English Proficiency
Spoken Language
A Message from our Superintendent & Board President Dear NMSD Community and Friends,
Dear NMSD Community and Friends,
As the new Superintendent, I am proud to present our Annual Report and honored to serve the school as its 10th and first Deaf woman Superintendent in our rich 136year history. I have been with NMSD for 22 years; starting out as a middle school teacher and more recently serving as its Director of Instruction and Special Education Director. It was truly a pleasure reviewing NMSD’s accomplishments during 2020-2021.
The start of another school year provides an opportunity to reflect on NMSD’s outstanding legacy. NMSD was the first public school to operate in New Mexico. This year marks 136 years of continuous service. From its early years with just a few students on the Santa Fe campus to today, providing services to Deaf and Hard of Hearing students (D/HH) and families in every corner of our state, the school has grown and changed, holding onto core values, qualities, and traditions from previous generations, while continuing to transform in order to meet the ever-changing needs of children and families in the 21st century.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, most of the learning, teaching, home visits, various supports and training were done through remote means. We are thankful for the technology that enabled us to continue providing valuable services under these trying circumstances. We are doubly grateful that we were able to partially return to in-person services toward the end of the year by following stringent protocols. If this experience has taught us anything, it is that nothing can replace actual human interaction and direct communication. NMSD continues to be highly committed to our mission of providing quality services to Deaf and Hard of Hearing infants and children from birth through 22 throughout the state. Thank you for taking the time to read this report and learn more about the scope of our services. I’d also like to thank the Governor’s Office, Cabinet, the Legislature, the NMSD Board of Regents, our Community, Donors and Friends. NMSD would not be able to achieve what it does without your continued commitment in supporting the Deaf/Hard of Hearing children in this state. Best regards, Dr. Jennifer Herbold, Superintendent
As President of the Board of Regents, I know the programs and services provided do not just happen. They are the result of hard work, dedication, and commitment of the staff who embrace and believe in the mission of the school. The staff work tirelessly to ensure that all children who are D/HH have an inclusive and supportive community that honors who they are and provides innumerable opportunities: academic, social, emotional, and cultural, to support their development. This year brings new leadership to the school, and the Board of Regents is confident that NMSD will continue to thrive under Dr. Jennifer Herbold’s direction. I appreciate you taking the time to read this Annual Report. I think you will agree that NMSD is a treasure for the state and that its legacy deserves to be passed on to future generations. Best regards,
Lynann Barbero, President of the Board of Regents
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Overview
Families
Campuses
EIDS (Early Intervention):
INSTRUCTION:
Statewide Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C early intervention services that include but are not limited to evaluation / assessment, early language and cognitive development, and Deaf Mentor services.
Preschool Locations: Albuquerque, Farmington, Las Cruces, and Santa Fe K-12: Santa Fe
2020-2021
269 children CECT (Statewide Outreach): Virtual at home or site-based family ASL development services by ASL Tutors or ASL class instructors. 2020-2021 86 Students and 171 Family Members *CECT’s District-based services number on the following page includes these students.
Accredited Academic Instruction provided along with a wide range of Support Services. Instruction follows standards, guidelines and requirements put forth by the New Mexico Public Education Department with the addition of classes specifically geared for Deaf/Hard of Hearing children. On the Santa Fe campus, this also includes: • Residential Services • Student Organizations • After-school Activities • Athletics 2020-2021
179 children
NOTES: • Not all services were available during 2020-2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions. • NMSD services numbers do not include community-based services.
Districts
Communities
CECT (Statewide Outreach):
EIDS (Early Intervention):
Customized services for students attending public and charter schools provided. The services include but are not limited to the following:
• Provides follow-up support for Children’s Medical Services to ensure that timely services are delivered for the 23,000 newborns screened in New Mexico each year • Provides hearing screening trainings to ECECD FIT agencies enabling them to screen over 15,000 IDEA Part C children per year • Collaborates with higher education institutions on research and training • Provides short-term consultation to 275+ children/families per year transitioning into other community services • Provides representation on the Interagency Coordinating Council for children with special needs
• ASL interpreter training/mentoring • Spoken language supports, training/ consultation for SLPs • IEP attendance and consultation on the addendum for D/HH children • Instructional guidance, student observations, ASL instruction and professional development for teachers • Student evaluations as appropriate 2020-2021
242 children
CECT (Statewide Outreach): Statewide ASL Classes for School District Staff and Community Members
NMSD provides additional consultation and supports to nationwide and statewide agencies on topics relevant to Deaf/Hard of Hearing children and adults. NMSD serves as the only comprehensive and accessible hub for the New Mexico Deaf Community (performing arts, sports, and other events). 5
NMSD Children & Students Served Statewide in 32 Counties Instruction 2020 – 2021: 179
(Santa Fe: Preschool to 12th Grade; Preschools: Albuquerque, Farmington & Las Cruces)
Outreach 2020 – 2021: 242
(Support to school districts and families)
Early Intervention 2020 – 2021: 269
(Home visiting services for children ages birth – 6)
Children Served 2020 – 2021: 673* *(17 of 690 receive services from both Early Intervention and Preschools)
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Statewide Early Intervention & Developmental Services The earliest days, months, and years of a child’s life are critical for future learning. NMSD provides specialized IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Part C entitled early intervention services for families of babies and young children across the state. These services help families capitalize on this precious window of opportunity. The State Licensed/Certified Developmental Specialists: • Have specific expertise/training in working with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing • Assist families in maximizing their environment and routines to promote the development of language, listening, and thinking • Live and work in the communities they serve, collaborating with local agencies • Offer services in the family’s language such as Tewa, Navajo, Spanish, and/or American Sign Language • May be Deaf themselves, bringing a unique ability to facilitate the earliest communication • Include ongoing assessments to support families in making informed decisions • Provided direct services to 269 families with 4,577 home visits in 28 counties Of the families served during 2020-2021: • 23% primarily communicate in a language other than English • 82% are at or below 138% of poverty • 45% live in areas categorized as “highly rural” or “isolated” • 22% of the families served are Native American • 53% are Hispanic/Latino Statewide supports to agencies and programs such as: • Partner with Children’s Medical Services (CMS) to ensure that none of the 23,000 newborns screened in New Mexico each year are missed and that timely services are delivered • Provide hearing screening trainings to Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) - Family, Infant, Toddler (FIT) Program agencies, enabling them to screen over 15,000 IDEA Part C children per year • Provide short-term consultation to an additional 288 children and families • Provide representation on the Interagency Coordinating Council for all children with special needs • Maintain Intergovernmental Agency Agreements with the Navajo Nation, the Department of Health (DOH), and the ECECD • Collaborate with higher education institutions on research and training
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Statewide Center for Educational Consultation & Training Multi-disciplinary consultants worked collaboratively with school district staff and families through Individual Education Plan (IEP) attendance, school-based observations, demonstration lessons, and program or studentspecific workshops/trainings. Our American Sign Language (ASL) Team provided ASL Tutoring and ASL instruction statewide. Throughout 2020-2021, our statewide supports were provided either virtually or inperson when possible. Educational Consultants: • 2191 school district consultations
• 113 IEP meetings
• 582 family consultations
K-12 Interpreting Consultants: Fall Semester • K-12 Interpreter Intensive (6 attendees/5 districts) • Language Matching (6 attendees from Hobbs) • Conceptual Accuracy (6 attendees from Las Cruces) Spring Semester • Two Interpreter Meet and Greets (11 attendees/6 districts) • The Critical Role of the K-12 Interpreter (15 attendees/7 districts) • Voicing in the K-12 Realm (15 attendees/8 districts) • Las Cruces Interpreter Club (9 sessions) • National Interpreting Certification (NIC) performance Study Series (5 sessions) • Rio Rancho Interpreter Club (6 sessions) • Exploring the Role-Space/Voicing (15 attendees/APS) • Classifier Bootcamp (5 attendees /4 districts) Speech-Language Consultant: • Facilitated a four-part fall training series for Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) statewide “Maximizing Auditory Access in Teletherapy Sessions for D/HH Students”. These sessions included modules and discussion groups. In spring, this content was presented to the full Rio Rancho SLP Team. • Collaborated with NMSD Educational Consultants º Offering insights to district supports º To review IEPs/evaluations/documents • Provided 39 consultations with Local Education Agency (LEA) staff and SLPs ASL Programming: • ASL Service Corps Tutors supported families and school staff, growing ASL skills through 374 virtual visits in 27 school districts and 599 virtual/home visits to 32 families. • Virtual ASL Immersion – 28 family members/35 public school staff 11
Early Childhood and Elementary In order to give students optimal access to language and learning, our school programs use a Bilingual (ASL and English) and Bimodal (Signed and Spoken) pedagogy. Staff include a variety of specialists such as audiologists, speech language pathologists (SLPs), language facilitators, licensed and trained teachers of the Deaf, educational assistants, fluent users of ASL and Deaf professionals. Early Childhood • Preschools continued to operate at our Albuquerque, Farmington, Las Cruces and Santa Fe locations. • Inspired by Reggio Emilia principles for authentic hands-on learning, creating an environment for languagerich communication opportunities. • 90% of children enrolled in our preschools use cochlear implants, hearing aids or BAHA devices. • Spoken language and listening were supported by a variety of models responsive to each child such as Spoken Language classes and groups, individual speech language therapy, aural habilitation, and reading and writing. • Verbalizing and Visualizing program (Lindamood-Bell) strategies were provided by trained teachers and support staff for early literacy. • Most of the year was spent in remote learning until the school was able to safely reopen per state guidelines. • During remote learning, weekly material bags were sent home with videos/lessons/activities developed by teachers. • Teachers met with students and families at scheduled times using online video platforms. Elementary • NMSD adheres to the New Mexico State Standards. • Verbalizing and Visualizing program strategies were provided by trained teachers and support staff. • Most of the year was spent online with 3 hours of daily class instruction through Zoom with the rest of the day working on assignments and individualized student supports. • Each student was assigned a dedicated laptop or iPad. • Instruction was provided using either the Seesaw or the Google Classroom platforms. • When needed, educational materials were sent home to students bi-weekly. • Extracurricular activities such as art classes, social hour, holiday events such as the Halloween party, Friendship Day, Pajamas Day, Spirit Week, and Read-Aloud time were provided virtually. • 2nd graders participated in the Reading Quest Center’s poetry contest. Several of our students won top awards. 13
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Middle School & High School The Pandemic found us providing online instruction for most of the academic year. Our students experienced a modified schedule of classes provided virtually that included related and support services. Mental Health and other emotional supports through our Student Support Team were available to all students and proved crucial. Students enjoyed some aspects of virtual learning through creative lessons that incorporated various software applications. Numerous virtual activities, workshops and social opportunities were also provided so that students could have time and space to socialize. In the end, our students truly missed being on campus and all the social and direct communication opportunities that being on campus affords. The vast majority consistently voiced a strong desire to be back on campus. We were thrilled to welcome many students back to campus in April and pleased to see that our efforts paid off. Teachers found that the majority of students who consistently attended school were able to retain and use information that they learned online. Homeroom: A full homeroom period was established to provide students with opportunities to attend workshops, a variety of clubs, and participate in meaningful and beneficial activities. This time was also used for the homeroom teacher to check in on individual students and ensure they were meeting their IEP and transition goals. NMSD winners in the national writing and ASL competitions hosted by Gallaudet University: • High School Creative Writing: one student for 2nd place • High School Poetry Honorable Mentions: one student • High School Essay: one student for 2nd place Dual college credit courses: As NMSD continues to expand its repertoire of dual credit classes, we collaborated with Rochester Institute of Technology to provide the following courses: Personal Finance, Raster & Vector Graphics, and Math in Society. Feedback from Students:
“NMSD provides many rich experiences that no other school could give us.” ~ Sophia Martinez, Senior “New Mexico School for the Deaf is my second home where my heart glows with all the memories I made there.” ~ Bruce Brewer Jr., Senior 15
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Whole Child Support Team NMSD’s Whole Child Support Team provides a comprehensive array of educational support services according to each child’s need including: • Speech Language Therapy • Audiology • Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy
• Nursing • Art Therapy • Counseling • Behavior Support
• Social Work • Evaluations
Therapy Services • 85% of NMSD students received at least one related service. • Our therapists became experts in using green screens and technology to provide virtual therapy services. • Occupational therapists sent home sensory and activity kits. • Counselors and social workers provided therapy services, virtual workshops, and social groups. • Our art therapist sent home art kits and materials for special projects. • Our therapists quickly shifted to a hybrid model at the end of the year servicing some students on campus and some virtually. • Speakers and microphones were sent home for students receiving speech language therapy and spoken English support. • Student evaluations were conducted in person and virtually. • There was increased family engagement in therapy services. Audiology Services • 60% of students across all campuses used hearing devices. • Audiology care kits were sent home to support students’ equipment. • In-person Earmold Clinics were conducted in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Families brought their children for new earmolds, as well as other services. • Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT) was purchased to improve students’ access to speech and spoken language during mask use. • Ling speech sound kits were sent home to our preschool students for listening practice. Health Center • New COVID-19 procedures were developed and maintained by the Health Center. • Daily nursing services were provided during in-person learning. • Staff CPR/First Aid training was taught by one of our nurses. • Student medical records were digitalized. 17
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Student Affairs Student Life: Due to COVID-19, the residential cottages were closed for most of the year and Student Life staff were reassigned to work where they were most needed. Later in the spring, we reopened our cottages only for students who had shown critical academic or social-emotional need. • Student Life Educators were transferred to the Instruction Department to provide support as Educational Assistants. They assisted with students who struggled in their virtual classroom setting by providing 1-1 or small group support. • Residential Night Attendants were transferred to our Transportation Department to provide support as delivery drivers. • The Student Life Supervisor helped the Instruction Department with behavioral supports and parent contacts. Nutrition Services: During the summer we coordinated Grab-n-Go breakfasts and lunches with Santa Fe Public Schools and offered meals to all Santa Fe school-age children. We had three pick-up stations available around the city for easy access: • NMSD Campus • Smith’s Grocery Store • St. John’s Food Bank During the academic year we provided five days’ worth of breakfasts, lunches, and snacks to NMSD students throughout the state on a weekly basis. Our meals met the USDA requirements and were provided along with suggested recipes and healthy eating tips for families. Transportation: The Transportation Department delivered meals and instructional materials to all NMSD students throughout the state on a weekly basis. We also brought back finished schoolwork for teachers to review. We provided last minute transportation services to deliver or pick up student devices that required repairs as needed. The faster the devices were returned to our students the less class time was missed. The department also supported our teachers at our satellite schools by transporting necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), cleaning supplies, school materials, and devices as needed.
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Student Activities Athletics and Activities: Sports: Due to the pandemic NMSD had no sports teams during the 2020-2021 school year. High School Academic Bowl: The National Competition was held virtually. We finished second in the West Academic Bowl League and also made it to the Nationals by placing 4th during the Regionals. We look forward to being a major contender next year with no seniors graduating. Middle School Battle of the Books: Two middle school teams participated in this year’s national Battle of the Books competition. Although they did not rank in the finals, we are very proud of students for all their hard work during such a challenging year.
Student Organizations: Student Body Government & Junior National Association of the Deaf (Jr. NAD): Since school was mostly virtual except the last 7 weeks, the Student Body Government hosted monthly social hour events on Zoom during which the leaders facilitated fun online activities. The Jr. NAD chapter hosted a successful virtual Roadrunner Variety Show. Middle School Student Council: Middle School student leaders offered support for students and carried out ideas for school improvement. Clubs: A variety of virtual clubs allowed students to participate in hands-on activities. Some examples are: • Art Club: Students were introduced to fine arts skills and carried out exercises and projects based on their interest. • LGBTQ/GSA Club: This organization helped to unite LGBTQ+ students and allied youth to build communities. Students organized their activities around issues in school and communities relevant to them. • Spanish Club: Students learned the language, heritage, and history of various Spanish-related cultures and issues connected to their communities. • Cooking Club: Students learned cooking techniques and skills while experimenting with various recipes. • Video Game Club: Students reviewed games and learned new strategies and techniques while competing against each other.
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COVID-19 Response No review of the 2020-2021 school year would be complete without a discussion of how COVID-19 impacted our programs. We all had to change the way we did things. Our students experienced a new form of learning and our staff learned to do things differently. The spring of 2020 served as a trial run, and we spent the summer modifying our services to ensure success during 2020-2021. Staff were redeployed to assist with weekly meals, transportation, and various classroom supports. Attending virtual classes for long stretches of time can be doubly difficult for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. They could not look away from the screen without missing critical information. “Zoom fatigue” became a household word. On our return to campus in April 2021, students and staff celebrated. NMSD followed a hybrid instruction model as a few students opted to stay home. Most of the statewide programs remained remote. Yet again, our staff and students had to learn new protocols and a new way of interacting and communicating with social distancing and masking. A few highlights are as follows: • Implemented DrOwl Daily Health Screening app and daily temperature checks • Started antigen testing in the Health Center • Implemented NMSD COVID-19 safe practices • Procured Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for staff • Nurse Practitioner hosted meetings on the science, safety, and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine • Distributed a parent checklist for student’s return to school • Created a “health agreement form” with COVID-19 expectations for parents to sign • Held Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings with parents for all students to determine how special education services would be delivered • Provided internet access for students in need • Continued NMSD statewide Early Intervention and Developmental Services through Telehealth home visits • Continued statewide support for New Mexico’s public school students through NMSD’s Center for Educational Consultation & Training (CECT)
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Financials FY21 Unaudited Actuals to FY22 Budget
* Includes the Early Intervention and Center for Educational Training and Consultation Programs
FY21 Revenue
FY21 Expenses
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“Early Intervention has been incredible. We feel so confident and supported in being advocates for our son.“ ~ Albuquerque Family 26
Accountability Accreditation NMSD holds Certificates of Accreditation from: • AdvancED, North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) • Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD) State Performance Measures Target
Result
Rate of transition to postsecondary education, vocational-technical training school, junior colleges, work training or employment for graduates based on a three-year rolling average
100%
88%
Percent of LEA (Local Education Agency) staff satisfied with educational services from the Center for Educational Consultation and Training (Statewide Outreach)
90%
93%
Percent of Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings that address special factors of language and communication
95%
100%
Percent of students from grades K-12 with IEP goals in reading and/or math demonstrating progress as documented by quarterly IEP progress reports
N/A (Due to
90%
COVID-19 shutdown of testing) N/A (Due to
Percent of first year signers who demonstrate improvement in American Sign Language based on Fall/Spring assessments
100%
Percent of parents indicating that programs from the Center for Educational Consultation and Training (Statewide Outreach) have increased their ability to understand their child’s language and communication access needs
90%
94%
For NMSD’s Early Intervention Program, percentage of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C Early Intervention Performance Indicators that are met. (Performance indicators are outlined by the Office of Special Education Programs and adopted by the New Mexico Department of Health.)
95%
100%
COVID-19 shutdown of testing)
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“Thank you NMSD for supporting my academic growth. I’m now attending Rochester Institute of Technology, pursuing what I love; Design & Imaging Technology. I am enjoying my first few months of college and have made lots of new friends. “ ~Mya Malone, NMSD Class of 2020
New Mexico School for the Deaf Dream! Explore! Achieve! Santa Fe l Albuquerque l Farmington l Las Cruces l Statewide 1060 Cerrillos Road • Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-476-6300 • 800-841-6699 • 505-216-2001 (VP) www.nmsd.k12.nm.us