Proud Deaf! an Ethnographic Study of Deaf Culture in a High School
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University of Central Florida STARS Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020- 2020 Proud Deaf! An Ethnographic Study of Deaf Culture in a High School Carrie Woods University of Central Florida Part of the Disability and Equity in Education Commons, and the Secondary Education Commons Find similar works at: https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd2020 University of Central Florida Libraries http://library.ucf.edu This Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access) is brought to you for free and open access by STARS. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020- by an authorized administrator of STARS. For more information, please contact [email protected]. STARS Citation Woods, Carrie, "Proud Deaf! An Ethnographic Study of Deaf Culture in a High School" (2020). Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-. 152. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd2020/152 PROUD DEAF! AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY OF DEAF CULTURE IN A HIGH SCHOOL by CARRIE ANN WOODS B.S. Ed. State University of New York at Geneseo, 2000 M.S. Ed. Canisius College, 2001 A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Department of Learning Sciences and Educational Research in the College of Community Innovation and Education at the University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida Spring Term 2020 Major Professor: Suzanne Martin © 2020 Carrie Ann Woods ii ABSTRACT The purpose of this ethnographic study was to examine the culture of students who are deaf and hard of hearing within the broader context of an inclusive high school, specifically as demonstrated though their learning experiences, socialization, and identity. The researcher gathered qualitative data in the form of observations, in-depth interviews, and participant video diary entries to gain insight into the shared cultural model of students who are deaf and hard of hearing. The data provided a holistic picture of cultural phenomena through the points of view of the subjects of the study. The description of the culture of this group of students may prove useful in shaping effective inclusive environments for students who are deaf and hard of hearing. iii I dedicate this dissertation to my son, Tremaine Jameson Woods. I am so proud of the young man you are becoming. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to acknowledge my committee for all of their support, guidance, and encouragement throughout my doctoral journey: Dr. Suzanne Martin, Dr. Linda I. Rosa-Lugo, Dr. Martha Lue Stewart, and Dr. Judith Levin. Your varied expertise has influenced me greatly. Dr. Levin, your encouraging words helped me maintain my focus and provided motivation to produce my very best work. Dr. Lue Stewart, you have always pushed me to seek more depth and I cannot thank you enough for the inspiration you continue to provide. Dr. Rosa-Lugo, you have been my role model from the beginning of my teaching career; I know that I can always look to you for advice and that means so much. Finally, Dr. Martin, I know that I honestly would not be at this point without your vision. The experiences you have afforded me as a part of the National Urban Special Education Leadership Initiative are some of the most memorable and impactful moments of my professional and personal journey. I will always be grateful for being selected to work, learn, and grow among this community of scholars. I would also like to recognize the high school learning community where this study took place, particularly the school principal, staffing specialist, and DHH teachers. As the cultural gatekeepers to this study, you were welcoming and supportive from receipt of my initial research request through the entire three months of site visits. The data reflected in this study would not have been possible to obtain without your support. It is my hope that you will find this dissertation to be a positive reflection of the overall culture of the school, as well as a useful perspective for future momentum as a cluster site for DHH students. I am indebted to the DHH students who have taught me so much throughout my career. Your strength and your struggles inspire me and have been the motivation for this research. I will continue to learn from you and advocate for you. v Finally, my brother, Anthony Madalena; your experience led me to my passion. I became part of an amazing community and culture because of you. Your journey has inspired mine. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................................... ix LIST OF TABLES .......................................................................................................................... x CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................... 1 Statement of the Problem ............................................................................................................ 1 Purpose of the Study ................................................................................................................... 1 Research Questions ..................................................................................................................... 2 Central Question ..................................................................................................................... 2 Sub-questions ...................................................................................................................... 2 Research Design.......................................................................................................................... 2 Definition of Terms..................................................................................................................... 3 Limitations .................................................................................................................................. 7 Summary ..................................................................................................................................... 8 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW .................................................................................. 9 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 9 History......................................................................................................................................... 9 Deaf Culture .............................................................................................................................. 11 Social Inclusion ......................................................................................................................... 12 Discussion ................................................................................................................................. 16 Summary ................................................................................................................................... 17 CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY............................................................................................ 19 Research Design........................................................................................................................ 19 Research Questions ................................................................................................................... 20 Central Question ................................................................................................................... 20 Sub-questions .................................................................................................................... 20 Research Site ............................................................................................................................. 20 Informants ................................................................................................................................. 21 Role of the Researcher .............................................................................................................. 22 Procedures ................................................................................................................................. 23 Data Collection ......................................................................................................................... 25 Interviews .............................................................................................................................. 26 Observations ......................................................................................................................... 26 vii Video Diaries ........................................................................................................................ 27 Data Analysis ............................................................................................................................ 27 Reliability & Validity ............................................................................................................... 28 Limitations ................................................................................................................................ 29 CHAPTER 4: RESULTS .......................................................................................................... 31 Research Questions ................................................................................................................... 31 Central Question ..................................................................................................................