Editorial

EDITORIAL HELPING CLASSROOM TEACHERS The most difficult challenge faced by the Annals over the last 17 years has been to publish articles of practical value to teachers. Specifically, there is a need for operationally stated "how to" manuscripts that a teacher can use in the classroom . The most recent shift in editorial reviewers was in large part an effort to involve more professionals "on the firing line" who would be able to help the Annals provide teachers with practical information and strategies. In this issue we have one of the products of this effort, the special section of classroom-oriented articles. The Annals hopes to establish a better balance between research and theoretical articles and practical articles for teachers. In the field of deafness, where there are relatively few journals available to professionals in the field, it is necessary to try to be all things to all people, and this is never an easy task. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Morale among professionals in deafness at the Department of Education seems to be at a low point. Many work in cramped cubicles in government buildings; they want to contribute but have little significant work to do. The major decisions tend to be made by political appointees who have little or no knowledge of deafness. At best, these appointees have some smattering of contact with only one area of special education. They make generalizations, based on their own frames of reference (often in the area of mental retardation) as to appropriate programs and services for deaf youth. They do not make a concerted effort to consult with deaf adults, leaders in the field of deafness, or members of the Education Department itself. The establishment of PL 94-142 was faulty in that it attempted to lump all disabled people together in terms of educational needs and programming. The original error has been compounded by placing the interpretation and implementation of the law in the hands of legislators and political appointees who are well intended, but who lack the knowledge of deafness required to implement legislation and regulations that will benefit deaf individuals. Administrators in deafness, in cooperation with GaIlaudet College, have made efforts to provide information to Madeleine Will, assistant secretary of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, as well as appropriate legislators. The end result remains to be seen. McCay Vernon, Ph.D. Editor, AAD A.A.O. /March 1986 5 ...