Last modified: April 27, 2023
American Sign Language
Course Description/Overview/Welcome Statement
Jaimie Ribera
Jaimier@provo.edu
Grades 9-12
Course Description
American Sign Language is both an elective and foreign language credit. In this class you will learn to communicate using manual methods(not speaking!). You will learn fingerspelling, vocabulary, ASL grammar and Deaf Culture.You will learn American Sign language and be able to communicate more and more everyday. This increase in proficiency will come by learning the vocab and grammar and then practicing that vocabulary and grammar within class activities. Deaf culture you will learn through lectures, discussions, videos and guest presenters.
Teacher intro
My name is Jaimie Ribera and this will be my 8th year at THS and my 3rd teaching ASL! I love this high school, this community and Deaf Culture. I am also the XC coach and an assistant coach for track and basketball. I am here to HELP YOU! Please contact me with questions, concerns or any additional help you might need. I am extremely willing to work with you, but I am not a mind reader, so please let me know what you need! That goes for parents as well.
Learning Expectations
Learning objectives
By the completion of this course, students are expected to demonstrate basic competency at a Novice-low – Novice High-Intermediate-low proficiency level in the following areas:
- Expressive Skills (What you can sign): You can tell about yourself and others, using individual signs, phrases or short sentences – sometimes even several sentences – as needed. You can provide this information as answers to questions or simply as descriptions of yourself, others, your daily life and your interest. You can also ask simple questions to get information that you need or want. You can give commands and make lists.
- Receptive Skills (What you can understand): You will be able to understand most of what your teacher and your classmates sign. You will be able to understand some things that native signers say. In general when you “listen,” you will get the main idea of what is being signed and maybe a few details. You might have to see questions more than once, but you will probably be able to figure out what is being asked and how to respond.
- Culture: You will understand that ASL is its own separate language used by the culturally Deaf community here in America and parts of Canada. You will be able to demonstrate and understand the importance of active listening skills, use appropriate terminology in relation to the Deaf community, along with proper Deaf etiquette including the use of name signs. You will identify the significance of Deaf-Deaf marriages, family structures, residential school and the passing down of ASL generationally.
- History: You will know who the key figures are and their roles in Deaf history: Abbe de L’Epee, Laurent Clerc, Alice Cogswell, Thomas Gallaudet, The Braidwoods, Abraham Lincoln, Edward Miner Gallaudet, Alexander Graham Bell, and I. King Jordan. You will know significant events that impacted the Deaf World including: ASL’s relation to FSL & Martha’s Vineyard, American School for the Deaf (1817), Gallaudet University (1864) and Deaf President Now.
Grading
You grade will be heavily based on your participation. It is impossible to learn American Sign Language from a book or on your own.
All test and project grading will be based on proficiency levels set forth by ACTFL(American Council on the teaching of Foreign Language)
In class participation: 10 points per day, this is based on being in class, trying your best to complete and participate in all activities and VOICING OFF(not talking, only signing, writing, gesturing…). This can include any activity we do in class.
End of unit test: 50 points, 25 points for receptive and 25 points for expressive. Tests CAN be taken again up IF you have an “A” in participation, meaning if you have put the effort in, you can retake tests. We will have a review before every test, as well as many practice opportunities so you will be ready.
End of semester test(final 1st and 2nd semester): 150 points- this is a cumulative test on EVERYTHING we have covered so far in the year. Deaf Culture, expressive and receptive skills and Grammar principles will all be taken into account.
Grades will be posted onto Power School weekly! Check for your progress and email me with any questions. Weekly a huge part of this will be participation, so please pay attention to that.
Assessment of Progress
How will I know how I am doing in this class?
Everyday in this class is a chance for me(as the teacher) to evaluate you and you(the student) to evaluate your own progress as well as others(in a positive way). One of the BEST things about this class and foreign language in general is we are constantly able to assess ourselves and others! Sometimes it might be an interview, sometimes it might mean a quick glance. Here are some examples:
- I give instructions in ASL, how well are the executed based on what you understood?
- During a class activity, I walk around and take turns partnering with students, I am able to see your proficiency level within the topic and you are able to ask questions.
- You and a classmate are working together, you notice the speed and clarity of your classmates fingerspelling and try to emulate the style.
- You are engaged in class and interested in what is being taught, asking good questions and letting me know when you do not understand something.
Course Materials
Course materials
Things you need everyday
- Scratch paper and pen
Things you need on occasion for projects/ activity days
- A board game that requires communication
- A way to film/edit that film for projects(only one person per group needs this and we can use some of the schools if needed, a cell phone will work!)
Classroom Procedures
Attendance policy
Timpview attendance policy will be used in this class(see school website)
Make-up work
If you miss a day and it is not excused, you will get a zero for the day and not be allowed to make it up.
If you miss and it is excused(by parents or extracurricular) you have until the end of term to make up the day. You need to come talk to me before/after class and get the missed work. For each day missed you need to sign for 30 min. This can be teaching a sibling or parent some ASL or signing with someone else who knows ASL. You will be responsible for what you missed in terms of content, so please come get the slide show. If you need additional help, come in anytime and I am happy to help you. After you complete your 30 min, you need to email me and tell me what you did to make up the day, with who and when.
Homework
Anything NOT completed in class will be used as homework. This might include Deaf Culture assignments or projects.
Students are required to practice ASL outside of class for 15 MIN A WEEK! At the end of term, they will be asked to turn in a log with a parent signature. This will be included in the final grade.
Voice off Policy
This class is VOICE OFF! I generally talk and allow talking the first 5-10 min to take care of class business and answer questions and the last 5-10 min for the same reasons. During “voice off time” it is important to not speak/whisper at all. Full immersion helps us learn the language and respect Deaf Culture.
Voice off Policy
This class is VOICE OFF! I generally talk and allow talking the first 5-10 min to take care of class business and answer questions and the last 5-10 min for the same reasons. During “voice off time” it is important to not speak/whisper at all. Full immersion helps us learn the language and respect Deaf Culture.
Class rules
- Be respectful to Deaf Culture, to classmates and to the teacher.
- Be here as much as possible!
- PARTICIPATE
- Voice off
- Try your hardest
Voice off Policy
This class is VOICE OFF! I generally talk and allow talking the first 5-10 min to take care of class business and answer questions and the last 5-10 min for the same reasons. During “voice off time” it is important to not speak/whisper at all. Full immersion helps us learn the language and respect Deaf Culture.
Calendar of Due Dates for Major Assignments
See grading section and check class calendar.
Progress Reports and Report Cards
See grading section. Check poweschool- it will be updated weekly.