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Reverend Jacob M. KoehlerFounded in 1880, as a class for eight deaf children, the humble beginnings of the Scranton State School for the Deaf took place in the basement of a Baptist church in downtown Scranton. Like its now stately campus of nine buildings; the mission of the school has undergone a series of transitions and evolutions to reach its current vision of accomplishment through excellence in education. The mission of the Scranton State School for the Deaf was re-written in 1997 to carry the school into the new millennium. Its mission, adopted by the Board of Trustees on May, 13, 1997 is to:
enable and empower each enrolled student to reach his/her full potential.
The mission will be accomplished through the collaborative efforts of a quality caring staff, a concerned pro-active administration, a loving family, and an actively participating student. The mission will be carried out in academic and residential environments that embrace the inclusion of Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals in all aspects of daily living. The mission will be enhanced by the integration of teaching methods with state-of-the-art technologies.
A school for deaf children, in Scranton, was the dream of Jacob M. Koehler, a deaf man from the area. His dream became a reality when the families of those first eight children recruited his return to the area, from Gallaudet College in Washington where he was studying for the clergy, to teach in that church basement. His tireless efforts to promote a full-fledged school resulted in the donation of the coal company's land upon which the school still stands, and the construction of the first building in 1889. The school, known as the Pennsylvania Oral School for Deaf Mutes was entirely housed in, what is known today as, the Superintendent's Residence, one of nine buildings on the ten acre campus.
By authority of a state legislative Act, approved May 8, 1913, Public Law 163, the school became property of the Commonwealth and was renamed Pennsylvania State Oral School for the Deaf. The Commonwealth assumed full control on January 20, 1916. Its purpose was to maintain and educate students and young adults with hearing loss. The school began a pre- school nursery educational program during the school year 1952-1953. In 1978 the school added a Parent-Infant- Program to accommodate the ever earlier identification of infants who are deaf or hard of hearing.
In the 1950s and 60s almost all students, regardless of their family's place of residence, lived in the school's dormitories much of the year. Prior to September 1960, a student wanting to continue their education beyond age sixteen had to transfer to another school for the deaf *usually in Philadelphia) or a local high school to do so. In September, 1960, the Department of Public Instruction, through the recommendation of then Deputy State Superintendent, Dr. Neal V. Musmanno, approved the initiation of a secondary school program. A ninth grade course was added. An additional grade was added in each ensuing year until the culmination of the plan was achieved with the first graduating class of SSSD receiving their diplomas. That was the class of 1964.
SSSD's history comes alive on the third floor of the original building of the school (now called the Superintendent's residence). The Heritage Center is located in this historic building. Exhibits recount the story of the founding of SSSD, the communication strategies employed over the years and the advances in technology seen over the past century. The museum is made available to the public by appointment. It is listed as one of the sites to see for visitors to Scranton.
By authority of Act 199 approved July 9. 1976, the school name was changed to its current designation, Scranton State School for the Deaf. The change of name reflected a change in both communication philosophy and teaching methodologies. As an "oral" school only verbal means of communication were allowed, with instruction accomplished through listening, lipreading, speaking and natural gestures. In the mid-60's the commonwealth mandated multiple means of communication be used to educate deaf students. The school initially adopted the Rochester Method combining all spoken communication with simultaneous fingerspelling of every word said. This method was followed quickly by the adoption of a "Total Communication" method-- defined on campus as simultaneously presenting all spoken English with an equivalent sign using a form of "Signed English" Today Total Communication is interpreted as a philosophy not a method.
In keeping with the educational practices of today the school is presenting information in the student's native language first, usually American Sign Language, followed consecutively by forms of signed and spoken English. A well-rounded student with full communication and English reading and writing proficiency is the ultimate goal. Inclusion of the community and the student's parents in sign language development has been an ongoing part of SSSD's history since sign was first introduced in our programs. Thousands of area residents have availed themselves of our community sign language classes since their inception in 1976. On campus classes are now enhanced by the school's video tape library and access to state-of -the -art distance learning technology.
The Scranton State School for the Deaf has a commitment to excellence in the education and social development of each student it serves. The school also serves as a resource center in matters concerning deafness. As a resource center, SSSD provides state-wide support to agencies and individuals who require professional level information and/or technical assistance on a wide range of topics and issues related to the deaf and hard of hearing population. In a vast departure from the days when deaf individuals were secluded on isolated campuses, community involvement is an integral part of SSSD's program. Our WOW (Welcome of Warmth) volunteer program invites the local community to take an active role on campus.
For all students, both those who live on campus and those who attend on a daily basis, emphasis is placed on using each aspect of daily life as a springboard for growth and learning. It is the school's commitment to prepare students educationally and socially to be positive contributors to society. The campus consists of an academic and residential complex, of nine beautiful buildings which include dining facilities, physical education and recreational facilities and an infirmary, located on ten acres of scenic land. Approximately one half of the students enrolled at SSSD are in residence four nights a week in the School's dormitory. From the newly refurbished family room to the snack bar with its vibrating dance floor, SSSD strives to provide residential students with a home-like environment commensurate with the fine academic surroundings of the day program.
From the U.S. Interstate 81, Exit 188: follow directional signs at the end of the exit ramp toward Dunmore following Blakely Street to traffic light at Drinker Street. Turn right onto Drinker Street that merges with Electric Street. Proceed to second traffic light. At this intersection, turn right onto North Washington Avenue, enter the main driveway on your right. Visitor parking is on your right.
Further information regarding enrollment or services offered by SSSD can be obtained by contacting: