Presenter(s)

• Danette Martinez, Doctoral Student & Graduate Research Assistant, UT San Antonio
• Jeremy Sullivan, Professor, University of Texas at San Antonio
• Felicia Castro-Villarreal, Professor, University of Texas-San Antonio
• Amber Schmidt, Doctoral Student, UTSA School Psychology

Abstract

This project involves a program evaluation of a federally funded interdisciplinary graduate training initiative designed to better prepare professionals serving d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing (d/Dhh) students in K-12 educational settings. The program brings together graduate students in school psychology and deaf education through joint coursework and shared applied learning experiences focused on language acquisition, hearing loss, child development, and psychoeducational evaluation. The evaluation examined program design, methodology, implementation, and participant experiences using survey and focus group methodologies. The survey assessed program satisfaction, confidence, and perceived knowledge gains. Results revealed no statistically significant differences between school psychology and deaf education participants across the three domains. Both groups reported high satisfaction and comparable gains in confidence and knowledge, indicating the program was equally beneficial for both disciplines. Preliminary focus group data revealed participants valued the interdisciplinary training model, reported greater confidence and competence in serving d/Dhh students, and described the experience as highly and increasingly valuable in their professional preparation.