Final answer:
Deaf children often graduate high school with a reading level of 3rd to 6th grade, and many factors including socioeconomic status and educational resources influence these outcomes. Parental decisions regarding education and communication methods also impact literacy levels in Deaf students.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reading level at which many Deaf children graduate high school is generally lower than their hearing peers. Research and reports indicate that Deaf students often leave high school with a reading level equivalent to that of a 3rd- to 6th-grade student. Additionally, factors such as socioeconomic status and the availability of resources in education significantly affect the success of students with disabilities, including those who are Deaf or hard of hearing. In areas with lower education budgets or where families have lower incomes, fewer services are available, which can result in even lower graduation rates and preparation for higher education compared to the national average.
Parental decisions also play a role in the educational trajectory of Deaf children. Choices about whether to enroll a child in mainstream education or a specialized school for the Deaf, and whether to emphasize verbal language or American Sign Language (ASL), can impact literacy outcomes. Despite the challenges, some schools with the right support and dedicated teachers have shown the ability to help disadvantaged students substantially improve their learning outcomes within a single academic year.