5. How did Thomas Gallaudet advocate for children with specific academic needs? Gallaudet believed that the government was responsible for training teachers on how to teach deaf students. Gallaudet believed that deaf students needed a separate curriculum from other students. Gallaudet worked to improve the education and opportunities for deaf individuals and founded the first school for the deaf in the United States. Gallaudet pushed for the creation of state-level departments of education and teacher training programs.

The most accurate answer is: **Gallaudet worked to improve the education and opportunities for deaf individuals and founded the first school for the deaf in the United States.** **Explanation:** Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet was a pioneering educator in the field of deaf education in America. Recognizing the lack of educational opportunities for deaf individuals, he traveled to Europe to learn teaching methods for the deaf, particularly sign language instruction. Upon his return, he co-founded the **American School for the Deaf** in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1817. This institution was the first permanent school for the deaf in the United States and played a crucial role in improving educational opportunities for deaf children. Gallaudet’s efforts laid the foundation for future advancements in special education and advocacy for individuals with specific academic needs. **Correct Answer:** C. Gallaudet worked to improve the education and opportunities for deaf individuals and founded the first school for the deaf in the United States.