Manuscripts

MSS 73
Conference of Executives of American Schools for the Deaf, est. 1868
Collection of Conference of Executives of American Schools for the Deaf, 1930-1976 

Gallaudet University Archives

Descriptive Summary

Repository: Gallaudet University Archives
Call No.: MSS 73
Creator:
Title: Collection of Conference of Executives of American Schools for the Deaf, 1930-1976
Quantity: 8.5 Linear Feet (17 document boxes)
Abstract:
Note: This document last updated 2005 November 30.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information: Conference of Executives of American Schools for the Deaf Collection was donated to the Gallaudet University Archives by Hugo Schunoff. The gift was made in 1968.
Processed by: Carielyn Kelly. 1984 July 20. Revised by Gary Brooks. 1998 July 8
Processing Note: Historical Sketch derived from MSS 157 by Michael Olson. Conditions on Use and Access: This collection is open to the public with no restrictions. Photocopies may be made for scholarly research.

Related Material in the Archives:
See ALADIN

Historical Sketch 

The Conference of Executives of American Schools for the Deaf was founded in 1868 at Gallaudet University. At that time its name was the Conference of Superintendents and Principals of the American Schools for the Deaf until it changed the name to the Conference of Executives of American Schools for the Deaf in 1931. It is the second oldest professional organization for educators of the deaf in the United

States after the Convention of American Instructors of the Deaf which was founded in 1850.
The purposes of the Conference are to promote the management and operation of schools for the deaf; to promote the welfare of the deaf; and to promote the professional growth of teachers of the deaf by establishing and maintaining standards for teachers through certification procedures and approval of teacher training centers.

The Conference holds its general meetings every two years for exchange information among the superintendents and principals in relating the education of the deaf.

Scope and Content

In 1868, the Conference of Superintendents and Principals was founded in order that the management of schools for the deaf might be improved. In 1931 the name was changed to its present title, the Conference of Executives of American Schools for the Deaf.

The Conference of Executives collection, which consists of approximately 16,000 pages, dates from 1930-1976. The bulk of the collection is made up of correspondence between Executives and during those years. Issues discussed in the correspondence relate directly to the
Conference's objectives:

1) to promote the management and operation of schools for the deaf along the broadest and most efficient lines,

2) to further and promote the welfare of the deaf, and,

3) to promote the professional growth of teachers of the deaf by establishing and maintaining standards for teachers through certification procedures and approval of teacher training centers.

The Conference of Executives meets annually in various parts of the United States and Canada. In odd numbered years, the Conference meets concurrently with the biennial meeting of the American Instructors of the Deaf.

In even numbered years, the Conference meets independently of other organization for a five day meeting. During these five days, comprehensive organizational work is carried out, professional papers are presented and mutual problems in administration are discussed. Included in the collection are correspondence of executives discussing agendas, preparation and scheduling of meetings, topics to be addressed, etc. Also included are the minutes from these regular meetings.

In 1931, the Conference of Executives began a program of teacher certification designed to improve the qualifications of teachers of the deaf throughout the U.S. and Canada. This program establishes minimum standards of preparation and experience which teachers must attain before granted certification by the Conference.

Along with the certification of teachers, the Conference has organized and promoted a program for improving and training teachers for the deaf. Training centers with college or university affiliations have teacher preparation curricula which meet standards approved by the Conference of Executives of American Schools for the Deaf. Among the Conference's papers are correspondence between executives addressing the issue of establishing training centers as well as the establishment of higher standards in accreditation programs.

The American Annals of the Deaf is the official journal of the Conference of Executives and of the American Instructors of the Deaf. Articles accepted for publication cover topics on research in all areas of deafness; medical, educational, psychological, social, as well as vocational rehabilitation, teaching methods, communication and subjects of interest to professionals.

Correspondence related to articles to be published, topics of interest and scheduling and dissemination of the Annals are included in the collection. In order to accomplish its goals, the Conference of Executives has established various committees. Some of the committees, whose correspondence as well as minutes and reports, can be found in this collection are: Parent Education, Public Relations, Teacher Training, Vocational Education, Statistics, Legislation, Captioned Films, and Centennial.

In 1968, the Conference of Executives celebrated their 100 year anniversary. The celebration was held at Gallaudet College April 28-May 3. Banquet programs, photographs of highlights and momentous can also be found in this collection.

Correspondence from the following people can be found in this collection: Dr. Edmund Boatner, Dr. Richard Brill, Dr. Daniel Cloud, Dr. Powrie Doctor, Lloyd Harrison, Marshall Hester, Ben Hoffmeyer, George Pratt, Howard Quigley, Hugo Schunhoff, Roy Stelle, and Edward Tillinghast.

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