ASL in public schools??

traciedowell said:
Dreamchaser:

Thank you for the clarification. I see what you are saying. You are absolutely right about childen being able to learn ASL much easier than adults. Their brains are still forming many connections and it's a valuable time to expose them to ASL and Deaf culture. My girls are high school age and they impress me all the time with how they learn so fast.

You have good intentions and I really do hope you can institute a program like what you are describing. The school system would benefit tremendously from a program like that.

Two years ago I was hired by a teacher who worked at a Montessori elementary school. I went there and taught kids who were between 6-9 years old. I taught them basic signs like colors, foods/drinks and a few songs. Also, I volunteer at my daughter's preschool and teach the preschoolers some signs. I just did it a few weeks ago and it was so much fun. Every time they see me, they start signing and it is incredible how much they remember.
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I hope everybody can forgive me for having my feet and my signing hands in my mouth most of the time.! My original post did not at all say what I was trying to say. I think it was my first thread. I was trying to keep it short, and I was nervous to impose my questions on you.

I think you understand what i was trying to say. My grandkids started learning ASL about 4 years ago as little bitty kids, around a year old and younger. I hadn't even gotten into ASL school yet. They were teaching me. One of my daughters in law, Jen, is totally Deaf in one ear, and has a slight loss in the other. She took ASL 111 because she fears that she could lose the other ear,,, If she is on the phone, or in a noisey room etc, she misses a lot. Anyway, through her, she started teaching all the kids.

My grandkids took to it like bees go to flowers. They are way above their reading levels now in english, and they have absolutely no prejudice against Deaf kids. One of my granddaughters, Lolly, wanted to be Deaf... so cute. She was about 3 then. Now she is six and excelling in literacy. I attribute that to how ASL works in the brain. I mean visual language stimulates more of the brain than spoken, from my understanding. It reinforces words and spelling memorization too, because it is stored in more places. I only know that it works.

One of the most important things I found was that the prejudice never developed in my grandkids, and if taught at a young age, if little kids could communicate with each other, much of that wall may never get built.

Thanks for your response.
 
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Cousin Vinny said:
:bowdown:
If it is to be offered in a high school setting, offer it as an elective.
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I think that ASL should not be offered as an elective. While I don't think that it should be in the "foreign" language category, I think that schools should require that each student completes a "language track" with at least two years of language courses. This way, ASL would not be pushed aside as an "extra" class but it would be offered to those who are interested in it.

At my high school, there were ASL classes offered by a hearing teacher who was learning ASL herself. (It was considered an elective so I still had to take Spanish! :|) While it was a nice gesture to offer the class, the school should have been aware that it was not appropriate. Had they brought in a Deaf teacher, I believe the students would have benefited more from the class. I recently found out that they have dis-continued this class at my high school because the teacher left. There was obviously an interest! Why can't they bring in a qualified Deaf individual to spread Deaf culture/ASL awareness!?
 
ericers said:
I think that ASL should not be offered as an elective. While I don't think that it should be in the "foreign" language category, I think that schools should require that each student completes a "language track" with at least two years of language courses. This way, ASL would not be pushed aside as an "extra" class but it would be offered to those who are interested in it.

At my high school, there were ASL classes offered by a hearing teacher who was learning ASL herself. (It was considered an elective so I still had to take Spanish! :|) While it was a nice gesture to offer the class, the school should have been aware that it was not appropriate. Had they brought in a Deaf teacher, I believe the students would have benefited more from the class. I recently found out that they have dis-continued this class at my high school because the teacher left. There was obviously an interest! Why can't they bring in a qualified Deaf individual to spread Deaf culture/ASL awareness!?
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That all sounds good but sometimes taking the least path of resistance is best for introducing something into the system. Having deaf folks volunteer to start out with might be a good way to get ASL into the system. That is not to undermine their value but meerly to take a path that would stand a better chance of success in meeting the objective of getting ASL into the program. Also making it an elective to start out with might also prove beneficial towards that end.
 
rockdrummer said:
That all sounds good but sometimes taking the least path of resistance is best for introducing something into the system. Having deaf folks volunteer to start out with might be a good way to get ASL into the system. That is not to undermine their value but meerly to take a path that would stand a better chance of success in meeting the objective of getting ASL into the program. Also making it an elective to start out with might also prove beneficial towards that end.
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Hey guys, my idea is to start ASL in the young grades, so that by the time a kid gets older, when the lessons start getting harder, like grammar and syntax etc, they will already have a working vocabulary and think it is normal..

One of my main objectives to try to research this and maybe actually try to implement is this. 90 percent of our Deaf/deaf children are mainstreamed. Most are without sign language. So if sign was a normal curriculum, right along WITH English, both languages should develop and compliment each other.

Another objective is this... I am sick of the wall that exists between hearies, Deafies, and oral only.... It literally sickens me to see that wast... How much love is missed out on... How many creative ideas may never have birth due to the lack of communication of our next generation. ??? How are we ever gonna get rid of the ignorance and prejucice against the deaf, if we don't show they who we are? It is not a hearies fault that he doesn't know ASL,,, It is hard to learn as an adult, especially when you have never had access to it. A night class is time consuming for an adult, and expensive... But, if the schools taught it as a secondary language,,, it would just evolve and expand on its own... Am I making any sense here?

God Bless you all.... Jeanie.. still chasing the dream for a better tomorrow for ALL!
 
Formalities & pleasantries aside . . .

At the risk of drawing fire, I believe that when American Sign Language is spoken in the classroom (as when a teacher speaks in a classroom), formal-proper American Sign Language is to be used. Casual American Sign Language can be spoken between students and outside of the classroom.

There is such a thing as formal ASL and casual ASL - just like formal/casual [insert language here].

Perhaps, if formal ASL was recognized/distinguished in the classroom, perception of language would be influenced (and respected)?
 
ASL in public schools?? Yeah of course! Some deaf asl teacher get a job at public school for hearing students to learn sign language. That's nothing wrong with it! Do you anyone know who is Gina Coleman?? She died by motorcycle crashed. It was happened last April 6th. She was work at Carmel High School for ASL teacher. Her all students will miss her. They love her so much! Gina was my biology teacher from High School. :) She is deaf. That's great for ASL Teacher can get job for all public and mainstream school!
 
Pinky678 said:
ASL in public schools?? Yeah of course! Some deaf asl teacher get a job at public school for hearing students to learn sign language. That's nothing wrong with it! Do you anyone know who is Gina Coleman?? She died by motorcycle crashed. It was happened last April 6th. She was work at Carmel High School for ASL teacher. Her all students will miss her. They love her so much! Gina was my biology teacher from High School. :) She is deaf. That's great for ASL Teacher can get job for all public and mainstream school![/QUOTE





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Wokamuka said:
At the risk of drawing fire, I believe that when American Sign Language is spoken in the classroom (as when a teacher speaks in a classroom), formal-proper American Sign Language is to be used. Casual American Sign Language can be spoken between students and outside of the classroom.

There is such a thing as formal ASL and casual ASL - just like formal/casual [insert language here].

Perhaps, if formal ASL was recognized/distinguished in the classroom, perception of language would be influenced (and respected)?
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I know what you mean about formal and casaul ASL. I find myself using more formalized ASL when teaching than the ASL I use in social settings. I think it is just a natural thing for teachers to do when teaching a class.
 
Pinky678 said:
Check it out. I miss my old teacher. :(

Counselors available Wednesday at Carmel | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star
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I am sorry for the loss of your teacher. I love my teacher soooo much too. Next term I will not be in her classes anymore. She is my ASL teacher. But, we have a good relationship out of class and hang out sometimes at her friend's and familie's houses, so I guess I won't be losing her. But she is a good teacher and I fear that my classes at University will be harder without her. :)
 
Hello. Do you know her? How did you meet her? Gina is great personality and teacher. She is in the heaven now.

dreamchaser said:
I am sorry for the loss of your teacher. I love my teacher soooo much too. Next term I will not be in her classes anymore. She is my ASL teacher. But, we have a good relationship out of class and hang out sometimes at her friend's and familie's houses, so I guess I won't be losing her. But she is a good teacher and I fear that my classes at University will be harder without her. :)
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Pinky678 said:
Hello. Do you know her? How did you meet her? Gina is great personality and teacher. She is in the heaven now.
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No I haven't met her. But I know how I would feel if I lost my favorite teacher. She is much more than my teacher. She is my friend and an inspiration. SHe loves me even if I can hear... LOL... She has taught me about much more than just ASL too. Her kindness and her sense of humor are priceless to me.

I lost my husband a couple of years ago, and when the angels took him, I thought I would literally die from a broken heart. I spent 18 months in total depression and tears. I try really hard not to go back to that depression. I want to throw all of my love into heping the Deaf get their rights and in supporting their issues.

I really am sad for you to lose someone you love. You are right, she is in heaven and she is probably chatting with my husband about how special you were to her too. :) A part of her will live on in you, and you can teach others the things that she taught you. Knowing that is good, but it doesn't fix the pain inside. I will be praying for you to have extra strength now, and that somehow joy will replace your tears. :) God Bless,,, Jeanie..still chasin the dream for a better tomorrow for all!
 
I understand how do you feeling about lost your husband. I am sorry to hear. My dad was died I was 15 years old. I really miss my dad so much! I was very depress. By the way, I am getting marry next month. I am so happy with him. He don't want me to be depress or crying about dad.

dreamchaser said:
No I haven't met her. But I know how I would feel if I lost my favorite teacher. She is much more than my teacher. She is my friend and an inspiration. SHe loves me even if I can hear... LOL... She has taught me about much more than just ASL too. Her kindness and her sense of humor are priceless to me.

I lost my husband a couple of years ago, and when the angels took him, I thought I would literally die from a broken heart. I spent 18 months in total depression and tears. I try really hard not to go back to that depression. I want to throw all of my love into heping the Deaf get their rights and in supporting their issues.

I really am sad for you to lose someone you love. You are right, she is in heaven and she is probably chatting with my husband about how special you were to her too. :) A part of her will live on in you, and you can teach others the things that she taught you. Knowing that is good, but it doesn't fix the pain inside. I will be praying for you to have extra strength now, and that somehow joy will replace your tears. :) God Bless,,, Jeanie..still chasin the dream for a better tomorrow for all!
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How wonderful for you.. That makes me happy to hear good news. Just think, one day you will have your own kids and teach them what your teacher and your dad taught you... they will both live on through you and your kids...

Tell your honey I wish you all the blessings possible. Tell him I said he best be really good to you, or this little granny will have to come to your house and he will be grounded!!! :) I am glad I got to meet you.. I hope to hear more about how you are doing in the future. Jeanie
 
This is point off about thread. This is for ASL Teacher. LoL It's alright. Thank you! I like to be sweet person. Of course, I will explain to my kids about my dad, grandparents and lost teachers. Kids will learn it. By the way, I don't have a kids yet. I am only 26 half years old now. I am getting marry with my hearing husband soon next month. I am so exciting!

dreamchaser said:
How wonderful for you.. That makes me happy to hear good news. Just think, one day you will have your own kids and teach them what your teacher and your dad taught you... they will both live on through you and your kids...

Tell your honey I wish you all the blessings possible. Tell him I said he best be really good to you, or this little granny will have to come to your house and he will be grounded!!! :) I am glad I got to meet you.. I hope to hear more about how you are doing in the future. Jeanie
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ericers said:
I think that ASL should not be offered as an elective. While I don't think that it should be in the "foreign" language category, I think that schools should require that each student completes a "language track" with at least two years of language courses. This way, ASL would not be pushed aside as an "extra" class but it would be offered to those who are interested in it.

At my high school, there were ASL classes offered by a hearing teacher who was learning ASL herself. (It was considered an elective so I still had to take Spanish! :|) While it was a nice gesture to offer the class, the school should have been aware that it was not appropriate. Had they brought in a Deaf teacher, I believe the students would have benefited more from the class. I recently found out that they have dis-continued this class at my high school because the teacher left. There was obviously an interest! Why can't they bring in a qualified Deaf individual to spread Deaf culture/ASL awareness!?
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Who says that there has to be a class? Why can't it be an after-school activity? ;)

Sitting around complaining about having no teacher to teach ASL shouldn't stop students from setting up their own club or after-school activities for students to learn ASL. :)
 
I agree with Vamp. It doesn't matter about ASL teacher in public, mainstream, deaf school. They are the same. The public and mainstream students want to learn sign language class like ASL. Public School do have different foreign language for writing and speak. They can have ASL class in public school. Did you read my thread on scroll down? I mention about my old teacher died by motorcycle crashed. You need to check it out at website. I did post it.

ericers said:
I think that ASL should not be offered as an elective. While I don't think that it should be in the "foreign" language category, I think that schools should require that each student completes a "language track" with at least two years of language courses. This way, ASL would not be pushed aside as an "extra" class but it would be offered to those who are interested in it.

At my high school, there were ASL classes offered by a hearing teacher who was learning ASL herself. (It was considered an elective so I still had to take Spanish! :|) While it was a nice gesture to offer the class, the school should have been aware that it was not appropriate. Had they brought in a Deaf teacher, I believe the students would have benefited more from the class. I recently found out that they have dis-continued this class at my high school because the teacher left. There was obviously an interest! Why can't they bring in a qualified Deaf individual to spread Deaf culture/ASL awareness!?
Click to expand...
 
dreamchaser said:
Hey guys, my idea is to start ASL in the young grades, so that by the time a kid gets older, when the lessons start getting harder, like grammar and syntax etc, they will already have a working vocabulary and think it is normal..

One of my main objectives to try to research this and maybe actually try to implement is this. 90 percent of our Deaf/deaf children are mainstreamed. Most are without sign language. So if sign was a normal curriculum, right along WITH English, both languages should develop and compliment each other.

Another objective is this... I am sick of the wall that exists between hearies, Deafies, and oral only.... It literally sickens me to see that wast... How much love is missed out on... How many creative ideas may never have birth due to the lack of communication of our next generation. ??? How are we ever gonna get rid of the ignorance and prejucice against the deaf, if we don't show they who we are? It is not a hearies fault that he doesn't know ASL,,, It is hard to learn as an adult, especially when you have never had access to it. A night class is time consuming for an adult, and expensive... But, if the schools taught it as a secondary language,,, it would just evolve and expand on its own... Am I making any sense here?

God Bless you all.... Jeanie.. still chasing the dream for a better tomorrow for ALL!
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:gpost:Makes perfect sense Jeanie.
 
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