I n s t r u c t i o n
The Instructional Program is known as a leader in the education of the deaf and hard-of-hearing. The program serves students from nursery through grade twelve. Students receive instruction in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, computer technology, vocational education, independent living skills, physical education, and health. In each area, staff members have developed a curriculum that is specifically designed to meet the educational needs of hearing impaired students.

An Individual Education Plan is provided for every child in the program. In addition to preparing students academically, the IEP is used to set goals and objectives for developing speech skills, and to make Occupational and Physical Therapy available to those children who need help in mastering basic motor skills.

The Tennessee School for the Deaf is a part of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association. High school students compete against public school teams as well as teams from other schools for the deaf in the Southeast and beyond. Football, basketball, track & field, cross-country track, volleyball, swimming and cheerleading are all important parts of a well rounded athletic program at the Tennessee School for the Deaf.

S t u d e n t    L i v i n g
Most students at the Tennessee School for the Deaf live too far from school to commute daily. These students live in small groups in cottages that are designed to create a feeling of suburban family life.

Each cottage provides a nurturing, stable environment in which staff and students work together to establish a home-like atmosphere. Staff members are specially trained to meet the individual needs of each student in their care and curricula have been established to develop social, emotional and independent living skills. Students are expected to cook, clean, do laundry, take care of pets and plants, and other household chores that are a part of home life.

In addition to cottage-based activities, students participate in a well planned recreational program, take off campus trips, and are given the opportunity to interact daily with hearing children.

C E R C - Comprehensive Educational Resource Center

A full array of diagnostic and therapeutic services are available to all students at the Tennessee School for the Deaf through the Comprehensive Educational Rescouce Center. A full time audiologist is employed to provide audiological assessments, hearing aid evaluations, and follow-up. CERC personnel provide psycho-educational assessment, counseling, social services, sign language instruction, media services, behavior assessment and intervention.

O u t r e a c h   S e r v i c e s
Tennessee School for the Deaf offers outreach programs to families in Tennessee. Family Support Groups are regularly held in six cities across the state and in other cities upon requests from parents or school systems. Parent Support Group meetings provide parents with information on topics related to parenting issues, educational programs and services within the state.

Sibshops, a support group for siblings of students with disabilities, are held several times a year on the TSD campus. This program serves siblings from age 8 to 13 years. More information is available from Tina Prochaska at tinap@ tsd.k12.tn.us

Family Learning Weekend is a program held each spring for families across the state on the TSD campus. This is a time for families to come together to learn and share experiences. Other programs include Mother's Retreat, the Shared Reading Program, a monthly newsletter for parents, and a resource library.

H e a l t h   C a r e
The Infirmary at the Tennessee School for the Deaf Provides out-patient and short term in-patient care to students requiring medical attention. The Infirmary is staffed around the clock to provide emergency medical services and to monitor students with health care needs. The school employs a part-time pediatrician who holds an on-campus clinic twice each week.

All students at TSD are required to have a physical exam each year before entering school and each student's medical record is kept on file. All medications, whether for chronic or short term conditions, are administered through the Infirmary.

T e c h n o l o g y Students must be prepared for the technology that will confront them in the workplace. The Tennessee School for the Deaf provides students with the opportunity to gain experience in the use of modern electronics. Students are able to explore the world of technology and to use that technology in much the same way as they will in their chosen careers.