NMSD Annual Report 2017-18

Where Children...

Dream!

Explore!

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

Achieve!

Our Vision, Mission & Beliefs Cultural Linguistic Perspective

Goals & Aspirations

Highly Specialized Staff

A Message from our Superintendent & Board President

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

ASL & English Proficiency

Spoken Language

Dear NMSD Community and Friends,

Dear NMSD Community and Friends,

Since the founding of New Mexico School for the Deaf in 1885, we have persistently expanded the breadth and depth of our programs. Growing up in New Mexico, I personally and professionally appreciate the precious resource that NMSD is to our state. With our statewide home visiting programs for infants and young children, our one of a kind preschool and K-12 school programs, and our training and consultation services, NMSD is truly a wellspring of educational opportunity for children and families.

As an individual with a hearing loss I know firsthand that growing up at a school for the deaf was how I was able to succeed. This was due to having a barrier free and a full access environment. The New Mexico School for the Deaf is a testament to this type of environment. In my many years in New Mexico I have seen a steady line of Deaf and hard of hearing students thrive.

Deaf and hard of hearing children deserve barrier free, full language-access learning environments and the opportunity to develop a strong self-esteem and identity as capable deaf and hard of hearing individuals. The pages before you are a snapshot of the many ways in 2017 – 2018 that NMSD served children and families toward this fundamental goal.

Our work is possible and we are strong because of NMSD’s qualified dedicated staff, our community of families, alumni, donors, friends, school district partners, Board of Regents, and our Governor, Legislators, and Congressional Team.

Thank you for your support and review of NMSD’s 2017-2018 Annual Report. Together, as a community, “We are NMSD”, where deaf and hard of hearing students can dream, explore and achieve.

Con Alma,

The 2017 – 2018 Annual Report is a glimpse into NMSD’s programs and services, and hard work that the school has done. As a member of the Board of Regents, I am proud of the work performed by faculty and staff at NMSD. Their conviction is unquestionable. NMSD takes into consideration the needs of its community as it works with various stakeholders and a great amount of consideration goes into everything that is done at this school. I have seen how NMSD nurtures students and supports their families. I have seen students excel in Academic Bowls, Battle of the Books, and STEM based competitions. I have seen students’ competitive spirit as they take the field or court. In all of this, I have seen the pride in the faces of the students, staff, family, alumni, friends, and community members.

NMSD is home to dreamers who explore and achieve great heights and we thank you for your continued support.

We are NMSD,

Families Rosemary J. Gallegos, Superintendent

Nathan Gomme

Statewide Deaf Mentor & Parent Infant Child Programs Together the Deaf Mentor and Parent Infant Child Programs provided the following supports and services to New Mexico families, children, and community agencies: • • • •

258 children ages birth to 6 received direct specialized services Youngest child entered into services was 3 days old 5,076 total Home Visits were made in 24 counties Approximately 1,900 hearing screenings were conducted across the state at Child Finds, Head Start programs, FIT programs, and Health Fairs • Almost 3,000 members of the early childhood community were served through trainings, workshops, consultation, and conference presentations

Deaf Mentor (DM) Program Developmental Specialists who are Deaf or hard of hearing assist families with children ages birth to 6 in learning about early visual communication, early literacy, and American Sign Language. Accomplishments in 2017 – 2018 included: • Reauthorization of state standards that recognize Deaf Mentor services as “entitled” developmental services under the state’s IDEA Part C Program. New Mexico is the first state to formally recognize the crucial role of Deaf Mentors in the lives of young children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families • Advisement to New Mexico’s Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Stakeholder Group • Focused professional development for all Deaf Mentors on assessment

Parent Infant Child (PIC) Program The Parent Infant Child Program provides essential supports for early learning of language and overall development of children ages birth to 6 and their families. As part of this system of services, NMSD and the NM Department of Health renewed their Memorandum of Understanding that resulted in: • Follow up and 2nd hearing screening of babies born to at-risk families • Specialized services to 159 families going through the diagnostic process of finding out the extent of their child’s hearing status • Reporting of field data to the Department of Health, allowing the New Mexico Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program (EHDI) to account for the projected number of children who should be in their system The NMSD and DOH Partnership positively impacts the ability of NM to meet federal EHDI guidelines. Despite all of the challenges New Mexico faces, such as poverty and highly rural communities, New Mexico is squarely on par with other states in both the identification of babies prior to the age of six months and ensuring their entry into early services.

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Early Childhood & Elementary Preschools NMSD operates preschool programs in Albuquerque, Farmington, Gallup, Las Cruces, and Santa Fe. Early Childhood Best Practice includes New Mexico Early Learning Guidelines (ELG), language and communication specialized instruction for Deaf and hard of hearing children, the Reggio Emilia approach and Forest Day Learning. NMSD served a total of 54 toddlers and preschoolers in our five programs.

• NMSD opened its 5th preschool program in November 2017 in Gallup at Indian Hills Elementary School.

NMSD and Gallup McKinley Schools had a ribbon cutting and community celebration to mark the opening of the program.

• NMSD Santa Fe Forest Day Learning expanded to our Albuquerque Preschool. This approach allows children to explore and learn outdoors while gaining experiences in all preschool domain areas.

• NMSD early childhood programs hosted biweekly Friday Family Fun Days where parents played with their children, interacted with other parents, learned sign language, connected with teachers and staff and learned new ways to stimulate their child’s thinking.

• NMSD Albuquerque Preschool hosted ongoing visits for Pediatricians from the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) and also for UNM Speech Language Pathology graduate students to raise awareness of the linguistic and communication needs and potential of Deaf and hard of hearing children.

• Preschool teachers participated in Reggio Emilia training on how to use “loose parts” in their classrooms.

Children explore properties of multiple small objects as they develop fine motor skills, problem solving, and visual spatial skills.

Elementary NMSD served 55 students in our K through 5th grade elementary program. Language, literacy, creativity, and critical thinking skills are emphasized through all core classes in English, ASL Language Arts, Math, Social Studies and Science.

• K-2 classes participated in a two-year fingerspelling research project conducted by University of ColoradoBoulder on utilization of a fingerspelling curriculum. Results from the study show growth for all students in expressive and receptive fingerspelling skills and expansion of reading vocabulary. The lower readers showed the largest gains.

• Elementary students participated in an eight week grant-sponsored course with a local acrobatic group, Wise Fools, as part of their PE class, learning different acrobatic skills and boosting their flexibility, coordination and self-confidence.

• Services to children with additional learning challenges were redesigned to better address their learning needs. Three ACE (Alternative Curriculum Education) classrooms feature curriculum and additional staff expertise in the area of educating multiply challenged students.

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Middle School & High School Middle School NMSD middle school provides activities and experiences that assist early adolescents in identifying their aptitudes and interests, self-directed decision making, and building self-worth. With the experiences and opportunities provided, students transition to high school with confidence in identifying their post-secondary goals.

• NMSD’s Robotics Club participated in Robotics Expo at Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) education outreach program at Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB).

• NMSD Middle School Math Team participated in the National Technical Institute for the Deaf National Math Competition. NMSD placed 5th out of 39 teams. One NMSD student placed 16th in the individual competition out of 156 participants.

• NMSD Middle School Team participated in the nationwide Battle of the Books Competition during 2017 – 2018. The team made it to the playoffs and went to the national competition hosted by Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. Our three team players, placed 2nd out of 30 teams nationally.

High School NMSD high school courses align with a student’s transition plan to ensure each student is adequately prepared to meet his/her post-secondary goals. Opportunities are provided to build leadership, work skills, and self-determination.

• The NMSD Academic Bowl Team passed the screening test required by Gallaudet University and went on to compete in the Western Regional Competition hosted in March 2018 by University High School in Irvine, CA. • Eight high school students travelled to Peru with NMSD’s International Studies Program visiting historical sites and meeting deaf students from a school for the deaf in Lima.

• NMSD partnered with DVR to support DVR’s implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). NMSD employed an independent living skills instructor as part of summer housing on NMSD campus for students who worked for the Rocky Mountain Youth Corp (RMYC) Summer Program. This adjunct project added to the collaboration with RMYC in providing summer employment to Deaf and hard of hearing youth.

• Students learned computer programming through coding curricula and study of specific coding languages in specialized classes based on interest and transition goals.

• Students participated in the construction of our large-scale aquaponics system in our greenhouse domes using the skills they have learned in Industrial Arts, Career Lab, and other Career Technical Education classes. The Aquaponics Program will eventually offer hands-on STEM related learning and work experiences to all our NMSD students K through 12.

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Student Life Student Activities Sixty-six early childhood through middle school Deaf and hard of hearing children participated in NMSD’s two week summer camp in June. The camp offers Deaf and hard of hearing children in NM opportunity to be immersed in language and communication, while building self confidence in summer activities such as camping, fishing, rafting, bicycling, and outdoor education.

NMSD’s annual Spring Play, “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs” brought together 8th through 12th graders onto the stage and behind the scenes to produce a theatrical work of art. The Spring Play is a community event with NMSD staff, students, and families attending as well as student interpreters and students from area public schools.

A Feast for the Eyes is NMSD’s annual American Sign Language literature performance. Thirty students from NMSD’s early childhood programs through high school showcased their creativity in a variety of ASL genres such as narratives, poetry, jokes, and ABC stories. Ian Sanborn, a member of the National Theater of the Deaf, was the guest performer and provided workshops to NMSD students of all ages.

Fifty-nine residential students and 21 day students participated in NMSD Cottage After-School Programs. Activities varied from hiking, arts and crafts, cooking, disc golfing, and joining in Santa Fe community events. A representative from New Mexico Highland University (NMHU) provided nutrition education and cooking tips biweekly to our residential students.

Athletics NMSD students participated in a variety of recreational and competitive sporting events throughout the school year including: elementary basketball; middle school volleyball, basketball, flag football and track; and high school football, volleyball, basketball, track and spring training.

NMSD Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team had a string of accomplishments in 2017 – 2018 including: • Champions of the Greater Plains School for the Deaf (GPSD) Basketball Tournament hosted by the Kansas School for the Deaf • NM District 1A Basketball Champions • NMSD basketball player, Deven Thompson, was recognized as Player of the Year by Deaf Digest and National Deaf Interscholastic Athletic Association (NDIAA) • NMSD Basketball Coach Letty Perez was awarded Coach of the Year by Deaf Digest and selected as coach for the USA Deaf Basketball Boys All Star game Seven students participated in the NM State Track and Field Tournament. Student Deven Thompson took first place in discus. The varsity track team participated in the Berg-Seeger Tournament hosted at the California School for the Deaf in Fremont and placed 2nd in the shot put and discus events.

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Measuring Progress Comparative Comparative Achievement Data: Fall 2017Data: to Spring Achievement 20172018 Fall to 2018 Spring Every year, NMSD Every administers a variety of assessments monitor our students’ year, NMSD administers a varietyto ofcarefully assessments to carefully monitorprogress. our students’ progress.

Students take pre Students and post-tests using classroom-based assessments, and school-wide and statewideand statewide take pre and post-tests using classroom-based assessments, and school-wide assessments. These assessment scores along with a variety of measures including work samples are assessments. These assessment scores along with a variety of measures including work samples are available in each student’s Data Folder for the purpose of giving us a whole picture of a child’s available in each student’s Data student’s Folder for Individualized the purpose of Education giving us a Plan whole picture of a child’s performance. Results are presented during each (IEP) meetings performance. are presented during each student’s Individualized Education Plan meetings and and utilized to develop baselinesResults and goals. utilized to develop baselines and goals.

Most tests, including the ones used in this data report, are not normed or designed for Deaf and hard of hearing children. Additionally, a few students outreport, on measures who do well for may Most tests, including the oneshave used“maxed” in this data are not or normed or very designed Deaf/Hard of indicate a lack of measurable progress because they have already earned high scores so the increase invery well may Hearing children. Additionally, a few students have “maxed” out on measures or who do scores was too minimal to ameasure.

The number of students in they eachhave grade level isearned too small report indicate lack of measurable progress because already highto scores so the increase in trend data accurately.

This is why high levels of emphasis is placed on individual student achievement scores was too minimal to measure. The number of students in each grade level is too small to report on a wide variety of measures.

NMSD administers this test for students from K-12 if they have not exceeded the maximum level of the test.

Reading (Developmental Reading Assessment)

Reading (Developmental Reading Assessment) 1

Significant Decrease (0)

9 17

Decrease Same Increase

19 19

Significant Increase Tested out

Northwest Evaluation Association’s Measures of Academic Progress (MAP): This computer-based tool is used at NMSD to measure short-cycle progress in Reading, Language Usage, and Mathematics. All students from 2nd through the 12th grade take this test except for those on the alternative standards

Significant Decrease 23 Decrease

23

8

Significant Decrease Decrease

Same

Same Northwest Evaluation Association’s Measures of Academic Progress (MAP): This computer-based tool Increase Language Usage, and Mathematics.

Increase is used at NMSD to measure short-cycle progress in Reading, All students from 2nd through the 12th grade take this test except for those on the15alternative standards Significant Increase Significant Increase 15 (Extended Grade Band Expectations).

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11

MAP: Mathematics (65 Students)

MAP: Reading (65 Students)

MAP: Reading (65 Students)

MAP: Reading (65 Students) 8 23

8

20

trend data accurately. This is why high levels of emphasis is placed on individual student achievement on wide variety of measures.

DRA Reading: TheaDevelopmental Reading Assessment (DRA) is an individually administered assessment

of a child’s reading capabilities. The instructors use the information for instructional planning purposes.

The Developmental Assessment (DRA) is anmaximum individuallylevel administered NMSD administersDRA this Reading: test for students from K-12 ifReading they have not exceeded the of the assessment test. of a child’s reading capabilities. The instructors use the information for instructional planning purposes.

Measuring Progress 8

8

13

Significant Decrease Decrease

Significant Decrease

Same

Decrease

Increase

5

Significant Increase

15 11

9

13

20

Significant Decrease Decrease

5

Same Increase

Same Increase Significant Increase

9

Significant Increase

18

18 MAP: Reading (65 Students)

New Mexico Alternate Performance Assessment: For students in grades 3 th

New Mexico Alternate Performance Assessment: Foradministers studentsthe in NMAPA gradesin3the through NMSD administers areas of12, English Language Arts and Math. Stud the NMAPA in the areas of English Language Arts andqualify Math.forStudents taking the NMAPA forprocess this and a check this assessment through a rigorousqualify evaluation 13 Newthrough Mexico Alternate Performance Assessment: Fora students inthat grades 3 through 12, NMSDstudent’s IEP assessment a rigorous evaluation process and checklist is reviewed at each student’s IEP meeting.

Significant Decrease 20 of English Language Arts and Math. Students taking the NMAPA meeting.administers the NMAPA in the areas Decrease qualify for this assessment through a rigorous evaluation process and Advanced a checklist that Proficient is reviewed at each Nearing 5 Same Proficiency Proficiency student’s IEP meeting.

Increase

9 18

ELA Mathematics

Advanced Proficiency 18 10

Significant Increase

Proficient 0 2

ELA Mathematics Nearing

Proficiency 3 6

18 10 Beginning

Step 0 0

New Mexico Alternate Performance Assessment: For students in grades 3 through 12, NMSD administers the NMAPA in the areas of English Language Arts and Math. Students taking the NMAPA qualify for this assessment through a rigorous evaluation process and a checklist that is reviewed at each student’s IEP meeting.

Advanced

Proficient

Nearing

Beginning

Total Number

0 3 2 Total Number 6

of Students 21 18

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Beg S

Statewide Center for Educational Consultation & Training Educational Consultation Services Educational Consultants work in collaboration with school district staff and families through IEP attendance, school-based observations, demonstration lessons, and program or student-specific workshops or trainings.

This year, Educational Consultants: • • • • •

Completed 177 on-site consultations with 43 districts Provided 918 phone or email consultations with 47 districts Attended 75 IEP meetings, by phone or in person, in 29 districts Facilitated the completion of 8 student evaluations for 7 districts In partnership with NMSD’s Interpreting Team, the following training/mentoring was provided to K-12 interpreters o Gadsden  All-day workshop for Gadsden interpreters that included skills training  Two months mentoring for one interpreter, including on-site observation o Five months of mentoring for two Las Cruces interpreters, including an NMSD visitation from one interpreter for a day of observation and learning in Santa Fe o Presentation to UNM’s Interpreter Training Program to discuss the paucity of K-12 interpreters in NM

ASL Service Corps ASL Service Corps is a service program located in multiple locations throughout New Mexico. ASL Tutors provide ASL instruction to families and school programs where deaf children live and attend school. During 2017 – 2018, ASL Tutors: • Taught ASL during 1,282 visits in 25 school districts and 328 home visits to 25 families • Lived and worked in the following districts statewide: o Roswell – Portales, Alamogordo, Hagerman o Albuquerque – Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Pecos, Las Vegas, Maxwell o Hobbs – Eunice, Clovis, Artesia, Carlsbad, San Jon o Gallup – Sky City, Ramah, Acoma o Las Cruces – Lordsburg, Cobre, Deming, Silver City, Gadsden

District/Regional and Statewide Events Staff of both programs work together to create and plan fun learning events that included: • • • • •

10 regional community events in 8 locations 16 student or staff-centered workshops in 13 districts 2 regional ASL Immersion events (Gallup and Farmington) Statewide Family to Family event for 50 participants (Santa Fe) Statewide ASL Immersion Week (2 events) for a total of 217 adults and children

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NMSD Children & Students Served Statewide in 29 Counties Instruction 2017 – 2018: 177

(Santa Fe: Preschool to 12th Grade; Preschools: Albuquerque, Farmington, Gallup & Las Cruces)

Outreach 2017 – 2018: 249

(Support to school districts and families)

Early Intervention 2017 – 2018: 258 (Home visiting services for children ages birth – 6)

Total Children Served by NMSD

2017 – 2018: *660 *(24 of 684 receive services from both Early Intervention and Preschools)

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Accountability Accreditation NMSD pursued and was awarded a renewed 5 year Certificate of Accreditation by AdvancED, North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI).

NMSD pursued and was awarded a renewed 5 year Certificate of Accreditation by the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD).

State Performance Measures 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

71%

Percent of local education agency staff satisfied with educational services from the Center for Educational Consultation and Training (statewide outreach)

97%

Percent of individualized education program meetings that address special factors of language and communication

100%

Percent of students, kindergarten through grade twelve, with individualized education plan goals in reading or math demonstrating progress as documented by quarterly Individualized Education Plan progress reports

94%

Percent of first-year signers who demonstrate improvement in American Sign Language based on fall or 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

92%

Percent of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part C early intervention performance indicators that are met (performance indicators are outlined by Office of Special Education Programs and adopted by the New Mexico Department of Health)

96%

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Financials FY18 Unaudited to FY19 Budget FY18 UnauditedActuals Actuals to FY19 Budget FY18 Actuals

FY19 Budget

$5,738,726 $6,000,000

$5,056,703

$5,000,000

$4,042,978

$4,340,371

$4,000,000

$2,928,395

$2,970,520 $2,717,108

$2,790,850 $2,308,457

$3,000,000

$2,584,963

$2,000,000 $1,000,000 $0

Instruction

Academic Support *

Student Support

Institutional Support

Operations and Plant Maintenance

* Includes Early Intervention and Outreach Programs

FY18 Revenue FY18 Revenue

Local 1%

FY18 Expenses

Other 1% Land Income 3% Federal

Utilities and Insurance 4%

3%

State Appropriation 22%

Student Transportation 2% Communication

Staff Travel 1%

1%

Other 3%

FY18 Expenses

Professional Services 3% Supplies 3%

Benefits 24%

Permanent Fund 70%

Salaries 59%

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Community Partners NMSD recognizes and values the importance of community partnerships and is grateful for the many relationships it shares with a wide variety civic groups, community organizations and donors. NMSD students and staff also participate in community service activities as a way of giving back to several of these groups and the greater community. The lasting and positive support these groups provide NMSD, and NMSD provides to the community in turn, truly makes a profound difference in the lives of our students, families, staff, and state.

Civic & Community Partnerships • Capital City Lion’s Club o Vision screening o Peace Poster Contest • Elks Lodge 460 Outstanding Students Award Banquet • Northern New Mexico Quilt Guild’s quilts for residential students’ bedrooms • Quota International of Santa Fe’s St. Patrick’s Fundraising Dinner for senior scholarships • Santa Fe Civitan Club o Baby Board Book Drive for Parent Infant Child Program o Holiday Stockings for early chilldhood education and elementary students o Youth Citizenship Student Award Banquet

Community Service Projects • Dolls for Hope Teddy Bear Project • Kitchen Angel’s Valentine’s Day Cookie Decorating Project • Quota International’s Youth Shelter Holiday Wrapping Project • Rocky Mountain Youth Corps o Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Restoration Project o Pecos National Historic Park Restoration Project • Santa Fe Civitan’s Holiday Stocking Stuffing Project • Santa Fe Food Depot Student Volunteer Program • Santa Fe Railyard Park Clean-up and Compost Collection Project • Santa Fe Watershed Trail Restoration and Clean-up Project • Texas School for the Deaf’s Hurricane Harvey Victims Art Sale

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” ~ Helen Keller

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New Mexico School for the Deaf Dream! Explore! Achieve!

Santa Fe l Albuquerque l Farmington l Gallup 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