Total Communication Effects—A Longitudinal Study of a School for the Deaf in Transition

A 10-year study evaluating the effects of introducing Total Communication into a previously oral/aural school environment was undertaken by St. Mary's School for the Deaf with researchers at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf.

The report provides data on students' achievement levels and communication skills. Faculty evaluated Total Communication effects on academic achievement, speech development, speechreading, reading, and writing.

Three groups were studied: Pre-TC, students enrolled five years prior to Total Communication; Mixed, students who received part of their education under the oral/aural method and part under the Total Communication method; and TC, students who had all their education in Total Communication. Faculty and staff perceptions and empirical test results indicate important changes in achievement levels and communication skills. Causal factors and the impact of Total Communication are examined.