Students will apply the language skills and vocabulary acquired in previous levels to increase their conversational abilities, focusing on more abstract topics. These topics include literary works and current events and issues of the Deaf world. Students will deepen their understanding of the Deaf community through discussion of the community’s norms and values. Through a more involved study of the ASL roots and linguistics, students will gain a better understanding of the language while also being able to compare it to their own language. Students will be encouraged to use the language both within and beyond the school setting. For example, students will interview members of the Deaf community on topics of personal interest, the greater community and/or world concern.
Prerequisites
American Sign Language II, or equivalent proficiency in the language as determined by a placement test.
Students in Arlington Public Schools in grades 7-12 may receive high school world language credit for native language study and for the study of world languages. It is highly recommended that a grade of C or better in the course be earned to continue to the next level. The courses are sequential and a C or better will help set students up for success.
To receive world language credit, the following requirements must be met:
- A transcript verifying a minimum of 140 hours of formal language study for each credit must be submitted.
- The student must have earned a passing grade of "D" or higher.
Students seeking the Advanced Studies diploma will meet the world language requirements by completing three years/levels of study in one language or two years of study in each of two languages. Successful completion of each world language course results in one credit toward the Advanced Studies Diploma. Students have an opportunity to test for and earn eligibility for the Seal of Biliteracy embedded in their upper-level coursework. Many colleges require the study of world languages to continue in high school. If your student has successfully completed three years of study upon completion of their freshman year, be sure to look at the college admissions criteria for the student’s college(s) of choice.