The authors use elements of social capital theory to explore the rapidly changing landscape of deaf education in America. They suggest that the formation of relationships, and networks of relationships, between deaf students and adults has a value that often goes undetected or underappreciated in deaf education. The authors point out that social…

Prior to attendance at the residential school, students were making an average of approximately .56 grade equivalent gains on academic achievement tests for every year spent in school. During the period under study, children achieved an average of approximately 1.19 yearly grade level increase. (SBH)