CREDIT: One credit each (Level 4 one/weighted +.5)

GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

In level 1 of this class, students will develop the ability to communicate about themselves and their immediate environment using simple sentences containing basic language structures. This communication is evidenced in signing, receiving signs and non-manual gestures, and reading. Students will begin to explore and study the themes of Personal and Family Life, School Life, Social Life, and Community Life.

In level 2, students will continue to develop proficiency in American Sign Language. They learn to function in real-life situations using more complex language structures and a wider range of vocabulary. Students continue to explore as they study the themes of Home Life, Student Life, Leisure Time, and Vacation and Travel. (Prerequisite: level 1 or equivalency test.)

In level 3, students continue to develop and refine their proficiency in American Sign Language. They communicate using more complex language structures on a variety of topics, moving from concrete to more abstract concepts. Students add vocabulary and idiomatic expressions in the context of everyday interactions and social relationships and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them while studying Rights and Responsibilities, Future Plans and Choices, Teen Culture, Environment, and Humanities. (Prerequisite: level 2 or equivalency test.)

In level 4, students continue to develop and refine their proficiency in American Sign Language. They communicate using complex language structures on a variety of topics, moving from concrete to abstract concepts. At this level, students add vocabulary and idiomatic expressions in the context of everyday interactions and social relationships. Students begin to explore the world of interpretation. Students gain a deeper understanding of the world around them while studying Deaf Culture, Globalization and Communication, Science, and Social Issues. (Prerequisite: level 3 or equivalency test.)

ASL courses may be counted as a world languages course in fulfilling requirements for the Advanced Studies Diploma. 

CAREERS:

• ASL Instructor/ Special Education Teacher
• Interpreter/Translator
• Deaf and Hearing Linguistics
• Speech-Language Pathologist/Audiologist
• Social Worker/Psychologist