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January 18, 2006
Hearing, vision tests can reduce hurdles to learning
Many veteran elementary teachers can recall at least one student who was struggling in class without much success, until it was discovered that he or she could not see the blackboard from their desk, or couldn't hear clearly when instructions were given. With the hearing or vision problem corrected, the student began to thrive in school. That is why proper vision and hearing screening is essential for kids to learn, and why Michigan law requires such screening - sort of.
Because of cutbacks in state funding, the Michigan Department of Community Health this month informed the state's 45 local health departments that requirements on hearing and vision screening tests for children are being relaxed for this budget year. Hearing screenings still are required for preschoolers and kindergartners, as well as vision tests for preschoolers and students in first and third grades.
But under the relaxed rules, second- and fourth-graders no longer are required to undergo hearing screenings, and vision screenings are not mandated for fifth-, seventh- and ninth-graders.
The requirements will remain on the books with hopes that funding eventually can be restored, but the state will not levy any penalties on local health departments that do not test to the old standards.
That is understandable, considering that in attempting to balance the state budget, funding for vision and hearing screen was cut in half, to $2.58 million.
But it is deeply disturbing if you are the parents of a child whose vision or hearing deficiency may not be detected until later, if ever. Such a child probably is having difficulty in school right now and has no idea why he or she cannot understand what the teacher is saying or why the writing in the textbooks looks blurry.
Just because a child's vision and hearing are tested when the child begins school does not mean that changes cannot occur in later years that will impact how well the child can see and hear - and thus learn.
Hearing and vision problems are not always noticeable. It is important for trained professionals to conduct proper evaluations to determine if there are any deficiencies. The results can determine if a child needs help, such as wearing eyeglasses or a hearing aid.
The state's funding crisis should not prevent our children from getting the help they need to succeed in school. We hope that lawmakers soon will restore the funds needed to ensure that all kids come to school ready, willing and able to learn.
By Battle Creek Enquirer
http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060118/OPINION01/601180306/1014
Posted by 4HL on January 18, 2006 10:27 AM
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