History of the
Jean Massieu School of the Deaf
Compiled & Written by Jodi Becker Kinner
Published in 2021
Updated in 2024
Published in 2021
Updated in 2024
The Creation of a Bilingual/Bicultural Committee
Pushed by Shirley Hortie Platt, a Deaf Education Advocate, in June 1997, the Utah Association for the Deaf established the Bilingual and Bicultural Committee, known as Bi-Bi, during its biannual conference to emphasize the importance of their mission. Dennis Platt, the newly elected UAD president and a member of the USDB Institutional Council, and UAD member David Samuelson initiated the committee. The committee elected Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, a third-generation Deaf woman married to Julio Diaz, a Deaf man and mother of three Deaf children, as its chairperson. She was considered a qualified professional in the field.
The Bi-Bi Committee explored possibly incorporating a bilingual approach for Deaf students at the Utah School for the Deaf. At that time, only oral and total communication options were available. The objective was to introduce Deaf culture and two languages, American Sign Language (ASL) and English, into their education. Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz was elected as the committee chair, and the first meeting was held in October 1997. About twenty-five people attended the sessions, but the number decreased over time. The attendees were primarily Deaf individuals at the start, but eventually, a mix of Deaf and hearing individuals attended the meetings. The committee's original purpose was to explore the feasibility of adding a Bi-Bi option to Utah's Deaf education. Their efforts ultimately led to the establishment of a deaf day charter school (Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, personal communication, March 29, 2010).
The Bi-Bi Committee explored possibly incorporating a bilingual approach for Deaf students at the Utah School for the Deaf. At that time, only oral and total communication options were available. The objective was to introduce Deaf culture and two languages, American Sign Language (ASL) and English, into their education. Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz was elected as the committee chair, and the first meeting was held in October 1997. About twenty-five people attended the sessions, but the number decreased over time. The attendees were primarily Deaf individuals at the start, but eventually, a mix of Deaf and hearing individuals attended the meetings. The committee's original purpose was to explore the feasibility of adding a Bi-Bi option to Utah's Deaf education. Their efforts ultimately led to the establishment of a deaf day charter school (Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, personal communication, March 29, 2010).
The Bi-Bi Committee Meets
USDB Superintendent Lee Robinson
USDB Superintendent Lee Robinson
On March 30, 1998, Minnie Mae and Jeff Allen, the two committee leaders, met with Superintendent Dr. Lee Robinson and Assistant Superintendent Joseph DiLorenzo of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the possibility of Utah School for the Deaf adding a Bi-Bi educational option. This was after months of searching for a suitable education program to recommend to the state of Utah. Adding a Bi-Bi educational option seemed appropriate, as the Federal Bilingual Education Act of 1988 was the first to include Deaf students safeguarded by the legal definition of native language and limited English proficiency. Also, in 1994, Utah Senate Bill 42 was approved, officially recognizing ASL as a language (Utah State Legislature, 1994; Zapien, 1998). This reinforced the Bi-Bi Committee's request. However, school administrators had no intention of offering or developing a Bi-Bi educational option. They were still not ready to incorporate ASL into their curriculum. They declined Minnie Mae and Jeff's proposal and wished the committee good luck (Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, personal communication, 2010). Despite the setback, the Utah Deaf community, parents of Deaf children, and Deaf friends poured their support into the committee (UAD Bulletin, May 1988).
The Utah Charter Schools Act
The Bi-Bi Committee held meetings regularly every two weeks, and gradually, more hearing parents began showing up. They wanted to get involved because they realized the importance of providing their Deaf children with the best possible education. The Deaf community in Utah supported this cause, recognizing that the Deaf children were the future leaders of the Utah Association of the Deaf. The committee's main goal was to establish or find a program or school that could teach Deaf students using the "Bi'Bi" approach (Mortensen, UAD Bulletin, June 1998; Wilding-Diaz, UAD Bulletin, June 1999).
During the committee's work, the Utah State Legislature was working on a charter school bill that caught the attention of the Bi-Bi Committee. The committee decided to focus their efforts on passing the bill, which would allow charter schools to be established within the state. Eventually, at the end of the 1998 legislative session, the Utah Charter Schools Act was passed successfully (Utah Charter Schools Act, 1998; Wilding-Diaz, UAD Bulletin, June 1999).
In May 1998, the Bi-Bi Committee took a significant step by contacting Governor Mike Leavitt's Office and the Utah State Board of Education to apply for a charter school for the deaf. The timing of this action was perfect, as the Committee started working on a charter school proposal in June 1998, which the Utah State Board of Education later approved. The mission of this new charter school was to promote American Sign Language (ASL) as the language of communication and instruction. The application for the Utah Charter Schools for the academic year 1998-1999 was submitted on July 17, 1998 (Utah Charter Schools Application 1998-1999, July 17, 1998).
On July 29, 1998, a significant milestone was achieved for deaf children when the Utah State Board of Education approved the proposal. The Tuacahan High School for the Performing Arts was the first to receive approval, and the Bi-Bi Committee's proposal was the second. By November of the same year, the Board of Education planned to approve applications from six more schools (UAD Bulletin, September 1998).
During the committee's work, the Utah State Legislature was working on a charter school bill that caught the attention of the Bi-Bi Committee. The committee decided to focus their efforts on passing the bill, which would allow charter schools to be established within the state. Eventually, at the end of the 1998 legislative session, the Utah Charter Schools Act was passed successfully (Utah Charter Schools Act, 1998; Wilding-Diaz, UAD Bulletin, June 1999).
In May 1998, the Bi-Bi Committee took a significant step by contacting Governor Mike Leavitt's Office and the Utah State Board of Education to apply for a charter school for the deaf. The timing of this action was perfect, as the Committee started working on a charter school proposal in June 1998, which the Utah State Board of Education later approved. The mission of this new charter school was to promote American Sign Language (ASL) as the language of communication and instruction. The application for the Utah Charter Schools for the academic year 1998-1999 was submitted on July 17, 1998 (Utah Charter Schools Application 1998-1999, July 17, 1998).
On July 29, 1998, a significant milestone was achieved for deaf children when the Utah State Board of Education approved the proposal. The Tuacahan High School for the Performing Arts was the first to receive approval, and the Bi-Bi Committee's proposal was the second. By November of the same year, the Board of Education planned to approve applications from six more schools (UAD Bulletin, September 1998).
In September 1998, the Bi-Bi Committee started the process of establishing a new school with the objective of opening it in the fall of 1999 (UAD Bulletin of September 1998). The committee presented three names to the Deaf community for the school to be named after: Alice Cogswell School, George Veditz School, and Jean Massieu School. This was an extraordinary move by the Bi-Bi Committee, as each name held significant historical significance within the Deaf community. The vote was conducted, and Jean Massieu, who had deep roots in the Deaf community, was chosen as the name for the school.
The Jean Massieu School of the Deaf, known as JMS, was named after Jean Massieu, a French Deaf teacher with a remarkable history. Princes, philosophers, and even the pope sought to visit him and ask him questions. Massieu was the teacher and mentor of Laurent Clerc, a Deaf man who accompanied Thomas H. Gallaudet to America. Together, they established the first Deaf school in the United States, the American School for the Deaf, in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1817. Massieu was bilingual and even authored an English-French dictionary published in 1808, which is evidence of his linguistic skills (Loida R. Canlas, Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center). Many of Massieu's successful students went on to direct schools for deaf children in other countries (UAD Bulletin, June 1998).
The Utah Charter Schools Act mandated that all charter schools be non-profit organizations. In 1998, the committee found a solution by creating Utah Deaf Education and Literacy, Inc. (UDEAL) as a separate non-profit organization from the Utah Association for the Deaf. UDEAL's primary objective was to open, operate, and oversee a new charter school, with the second goal being to raise funds (UAD Bulletin, September 1998; Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, personal communication, March 29, 2010).
The Jean Massieu School of the Deaf, known as JMS, was named after Jean Massieu, a French Deaf teacher with a remarkable history. Princes, philosophers, and even the pope sought to visit him and ask him questions. Massieu was the teacher and mentor of Laurent Clerc, a Deaf man who accompanied Thomas H. Gallaudet to America. Together, they established the first Deaf school in the United States, the American School for the Deaf, in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1817. Massieu was bilingual and even authored an English-French dictionary published in 1808, which is evidence of his linguistic skills (Loida R. Canlas, Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center). Many of Massieu's successful students went on to direct schools for deaf children in other countries (UAD Bulletin, June 1998).
The Utah Charter Schools Act mandated that all charter schools be non-profit organizations. In 1998, the committee found a solution by creating Utah Deaf Education and Literacy, Inc. (UDEAL) as a separate non-profit organization from the Utah Association for the Deaf. UDEAL's primary objective was to open, operate, and oversee a new charter school, with the second goal being to raise funds (UAD Bulletin, September 1998; Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, personal communication, March 29, 2010).
Jean Massieu School Opens Its Doors
After the charter school was approved, the Bi-Bi Committee started working to make it a reality. This involved finding a suitable location, securing more funding, choosing a curriculum, hiring teachers, and purchasing supplies, among other things (UAD Bulletin, September 1998). At the same time, the UDEAL Board took on responsibilities such as fundraising, program development, preparing for Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings, resolving transportation issues, managing building/site concerns, and addressing technology-related matters.
On August 29, 1999, the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf opened its doors to 21 students from preschool through third grade. Over the years, JMS has expanded its program by one grade each year, and it now offers education from Pre-K through 12th grade. JMS also provides complete language accessibility in both American Sign Language and English (Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, personal communication, March 29, 2010).
JMS has been an independent Bi-Bi charter school for six years, relying on donations and state funding based on student enrollment. However, the state funds were not enough, leading JMS to face financial difficulties. Despite these challenges, JMS has continued to provide quality education. However, the Utah School for the Deaf hesitated to introduce the ASL/English bilingual program, formerly the bilingual-bicultural option, to parents and students. Regrettably, the Parent-Infant Program of the Utah School for the Deaf and its staff did not recognize JMS as a viable option for families seeking educational opportunities in Utah. They mistakenly labeled it as a school for students with low academic abilities or those needing to catch up.
On August 29, 1999, the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf opened its doors to 21 students from preschool through third grade. Over the years, JMS has expanded its program by one grade each year, and it now offers education from Pre-K through 12th grade. JMS also provides complete language accessibility in both American Sign Language and English (Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, personal communication, March 29, 2010).
JMS has been an independent Bi-Bi charter school for six years, relying on donations and state funding based on student enrollment. However, the state funds were not enough, leading JMS to face financial difficulties. Despite these challenges, JMS has continued to provide quality education. However, the Utah School for the Deaf hesitated to introduce the ASL/English bilingual program, formerly the bilingual-bicultural option, to parents and students. Regrettably, the Parent-Infant Program of the Utah School for the Deaf and its staff did not recognize JMS as a viable option for families seeking educational opportunities in Utah. They mistakenly labeled it as a school for students with low academic abilities or those needing to catch up.
The Merger Agreement Between
the USD and JMS Charter School of the Deaf
the USD and JMS Charter School of the Deaf
Under the weight of financial pressure, the UDEAL board was compelled to reconsider its course. Conversely, the USD would be more amenable to supporting the ASL/English bilingual option if it was integrated into their state school. The merger, therefore, was not just a strategic move but a necessity to make JMS and its philosophy more accessible to deaf children and their families across the state. Furthermore, the merger was seen as a means to secure JMS's quality special services, ensure financial stability, and improve employee salaries and benefits (Stimpson, UAD Bulletin, March 2005).
In 2004, the Jean Massieu (JMS) Charter School faced financial difficulties and sought to merge with the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind (USDB) to offer bilingual education to parents. However, the USDB declined the offer. As a result, the UDEAL Board sought the help of legislators to make the merger possible. One of the UDEAL board members, Joe Zeidner, an attorney with a Deaf child, lobbied the state legislature to have USDB legally incorporate the JMS program. USDB Superintendent Linda Rutledge had no choice but to support the merger, or else the USDB's funding would be cut. Ultimately, the JMS program was merged with the USDB's network, and the USDB and the UDEAL worked together to ensure bilingual education was available to Deaf children.
In 2004, the Jean Massieu (JMS) Charter School faced financial difficulties and sought to merge with the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind (USDB) to offer bilingual education to parents. However, the USDB declined the offer. As a result, the UDEAL Board sought the help of legislators to make the merger possible. One of the UDEAL board members, Joe Zeidner, an attorney with a Deaf child, lobbied the state legislature to have USDB legally incorporate the JMS program. USDB Superintendent Linda Rutledge had no choice but to support the merger, or else the USDB's funding would be cut. Ultimately, the JMS program was merged with the USDB's network, and the USDB and the UDEAL worked together to ensure bilingual education was available to Deaf children.
Joe Zeidner worked tirelessly for Utah Deaf Education and Literacy, Inc. As a result of his efforts, the Utah State Legislature approved 'intent language' during the 2004 legislative session. This language stated that the Utah State Board of Education would examine the possibility of merging JMS with USDB. A steering committee was formed to draft Letters of Intent and Terms of Agreement documents that would govern the merger of the two organizations. The negotiations between the two organizations continued for almost a year.
The Letter of Intent and Terms of Agreement were examined and approved by Utah Deaf Education and Literacy, the USDB Institutional Council, and the Utah State Board of Education. The Utah State Board of Education also approved the USD/JMS merger. The documents were signed on June 3, 2005, at JMS by Kim Burningham, Utah State Board of Education Chair, Linda Rutledge, USDB Superintendent, and Craig Radford, UDEAL Chair, after being approved by the Utah State Board of Education, represented by Dr. Patti Harrington, State Superintendent of Public Instruction (Stimpson, UAD Bulletin, July 2005). The UDEAL board members who witnessed the merger signatures were Chris Palaia (Deaf), Laurel Stimpson (Deaf), Sean Williford, Joe Ziedner, LaDawn Rinlinsbaker, Jeff Allen, Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz (Deaf), and Jodi Becker Kinner (Deaf).
The Growing Pains of the Merger
The Utah School for the Deaf's journey, post-merger with JMS, was challenging. Implementing changes and forging partnerships with its other communication and educational philosophy departments was a period of 'growing pains.' However, in August 2016, a significant milestone was reached in establishing the hybrid program. Led by Michelle Tanner, USD Associate Superintendent, this program marked a turning point. It paved the way for 'unbiased collaboration' between the listening & spoken language (replaced oral) program and the ASL/English bilingual program. This collaboration, a personalized deaf education placement, became a reality. The Total Communicate Department eventually joined this department in 2008. Please visit the' Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's Dream' webpage for more detailed information.
For a deeper understanding of JMS and its role in developing USD's deaf education programs, we invite you to visit the 'Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz—Co-Founder of Jean Massieu School' page. This page provides a comprehensive overview of JMS, its founders, and their vision for deaf education.
For a deeper understanding of JMS and its role in developing USD's deaf education programs, we invite you to visit the 'Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz—Co-Founder of Jean Massieu School' page. This page provides a comprehensive overview of JMS, its founders, and their vision for deaf education.
JMS Yellowjackets Mascot
In 2003, Doug Stringham, a senior designer and art director at Stephen Hales Creative, Inc. in Provo, Utah, designed the yellow jacket mascot. Despite being a hearing man, Doug is deeply involved in the Deaf community and volunteered his time and skills to create the design. The yellow jacket represents JMS through its "J" shape and its hands that are formed in the "M" and "S" hand shapes (Leanna Turnman, personal communication, 2009; Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, personal communication, March 29, 2010).
Different Locations of the
Jean Massieu School of the Deaf
Jean Massieu School of the Deaf
- Bella Vista Elementary School 2131 East 7000 South, Salt Lake City – August – November 1999
- Riverton at 1530 West 12600 South, Unit 3 and 4 – November 1999 – 2002
- Riverton City Library 12750 South Redwood Road, Riverton – 2002 – 2004
- Salt Lake Arts Academy 209 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City – 2004 – 2005
- USDB/JMS 1350 West 10400 South, South Jordan – 2005 – 2008
- USDB Extension Conner Street 2870 Connor Street Salt Lake City, UT 84109 – 2008 – 2010
- Libby Edwards Elementary 1655 E. 3300 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84106 - 2010- present