SMART Target Examples for Hearing Impairment
in Irish Primary Schools
Hearing impairment ranges from mild to profound and can be conductive, sensorineural, or mixed. In Irish schools, students who are deaf or hard of hearing need environmental adaptations, assistive technology, and targeted support for language, literacy, and social interaction. The Visiting Teacher for the Deaf service provides specialist support.
Prevalence in Ireland
Approximately 1-2 per 1,000 children in Ireland are born with a permanent hearing loss. Additional children develop hearing loss or experience temporary conductive loss (e.g., glue ear) during primary school years.
SMART Target Examples by NEPS Need Area
These targets are mapped to NEPS need areas and categorised by Continuum of Support level. Replace [student] with the student's name and [date] with your review date (typically 6-8 weeks).
Language & Communication
By [date], [student] will use 5 new curriculum vocabulary words correctly in spoken or signed sentences on 4 out of 5 occasions during class discussion.
By [date], [student] will request clarification (e.g., 'Can you say that again?') when they do not understand an instruction on 3 out of 5 occasions.
By [date], [student] will correctly use the plural '-s' and past tense '-ed' markers in written sentences on 4 out of 5 occasions in SET sessions.
Literacy
By [date], [student] will read a passage at [X] level with 90% accuracy and answer 3 out of 5 comprehension questions, as assessed by the SET/Visiting Teacher.
By [date], [student] will write 5 sentences using correct grammar and word order on a given topic, with support from a visual writing frame.
By [date], [student] will identify the main idea and 2 supporting details in an age-appropriate text on 3 out of 5 occasions.
Social & Emotional
By [date], [student] will initiate a conversation with a peer during structured activities on 3 out of 5 occasions, as observed by the class teacher.
By [date], [student] will advocate for their hearing needs (e.g., ask to move closer, request FM system) on 3 out of 5 occasions during group activities.
By [date], [student] will explain their hearing impairment to a new peer using a pre-prepared script on 2 out of 3 occasions when relevant.
Attention & Concentration
By [date], [student] will sustain attention during a group lesson for 15 minutes using FM system and preferential seating, on 4 out of 5 occasions.
Common Strengths
- Strong visual processing and observation skills
- Good spatial awareness and visual memory
- Determination and resilience
- Ability to read facial expressions and body language
- Strengths in visual subjects (art, maths operations, technology)
- Effective use of assistive technology when provided
Common Needs
- Optimal acoustic environment (reduced background noise)
- Access to assistive listening devices (hearing aids, FM/Roger system)
- Clear sightline to the teacher for speechreading
- Pre-teaching of vocabulary and key concepts
- Support with incidental learning and social communication
- Regular monitoring of hearing levels and equipment
Example SSF Phrasing
Copy-paste ready phrasing for the Strengths and Needs sections of the Student Support File.
Strengths Phrasing
- “[Student] is a strong visual learner who benefits from diagrams, images, and demonstrations.”
- “[Student] has good spatial awareness and excels in art and hands-on projects.”
- “[Student] is determined and resilient, and advocates well for their hearing needs.”
- “[Student] reads facial expressions and body language effectively.”
Needs Phrasing
- “[Student] needs an optimal acoustic environment with reduced background noise.”
- “[Student] requires pre-teaching of vocabulary and concepts before new topics are introduced.”
- “[Student] benefits from visual aids and written instructions alongside verbal explanations.”
- “[Student] needs support with incidental learning and accessing group discussions.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are SMART targets for a child with hearing impairment in Irish schools?
What is the Visiting Teacher for the Deaf?
Should a child with hearing loss learn Irish Sign Language?
Official Irish References
Essential Guides
Related Conditions
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