In-Service Training for Residential Staff

The concept of "Least Restrictive Environment" has become the cornerstone on which placement decisions for hearing-impaired children are made. Living outside the family unit is considered restrictive. Schools with a residential component must, therefore, demonstrate that the level and quality of programming provided in the residence halls counteract the restrictiveness of the placement. Since formal educational opportunities for residential staff are limited, administrators must provide effective, on-site training. This study looks at the prioritization of in-service topics by residential staff at ten schools for deaf children in the western United States. It also explores the relationship between certain demographic variables and selection of training topics. The results of the study provide practical information, ideas and considerations for administrators, curriculum coordinators, superintendents and other responsible for residential staff development.