Assessing the multiple intelligences of children who are Deaf with the DISCOVER process and the use of American Sign Language

Abstract

The following thesis explores the use of the DISCOVER Assessment with children who are Deaf. Nine students from two 3rd-4th grade classrooms at a residential school for Deaf children participated in this study. The participants were given the DISCOVER Assessment as a group and within their own classrooms. The instructions and communication throughout the assessment were expressed in the preferred language of the students (e.g. American Sign Language and/or Simultaneous Communication; signing and talking at the same time). Two observers collected data about the students problem-solving behaviors during the assessments. One observer was Deaf and one was hearing. Both observers were proficient in the preferred language of the students. Results show that the DISCOVER Assessment is an effective method for assessing Deaf children's strengths. In addition, two out of nine students were determined to be gifted, although none were considered gifted according to standardized IQ tests.