The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) calls on states to take advantage of new opportunities to combat uneven access to quality instruction in world languages--a key component of a well-rounded education. This National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) policy update discusses ways state boards can bridge the divide between…

This biennial report contains information about the efforts and initiatives of education-based agencies, departments, and individuals in Minnesota who served students who were deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) during the 2015-16 and 2016-17 school years. The report also summarizes the results for students who took the Minnesota Comprehensive…

This paper is a thought experiment exploring the possibility of establishing universal bilingualism in Sign Languages. Focusing in the first part on historical examples of inclusive signing societies such as Martha's Vineyard, the author suggests that it is not possible to create such naturally occurring practices of Sign Bilingualism in societies…

An outsider to the field of deaf education questions the seeming ambiguousness in terminology, lack of scientific research, continuing controversies, and lack of definitive answers. Questions concern such issues as the difference between "Deaf" and "deaf" and the feasibility of the American Sign Language/English-as-a-Second-Language proposal.…

This paper argues that current practices in total communication classrooms have basically assigned the responsibility of communication to hearing-impaired students who must adapt to the variation in communication behaviors displayed by each of their teachers. The paper advocates use of a model communication and language policy designed to…

Describes the situations encountered in an academic library when hiring and training hearing impaired individuals as technicians in the library's cataloging department, as well as the support systems and training modifications used for these employees. (CLB)

This paper proposes new policies which stress making explicit the roles of sign communication and speech in total communication programs for students with hearing impairments. A review of the literature supports the need to redefine total communication, provide improved preservice and in-service training of teachers in effective communication…

This report is intended to stimulate initiatives on the part of governmental, professional, and consumer organizations and institutions that prepare educational interpreters who work with deaf students. Following an introductory chapter on the development of educational interpreting for deaf students, other chapters discuss: (1) job titles and…

This booklet presents basic issues and recommendations of a Nevada legislative task force on the establishment of courses in American Sign Language (ASL) for credit as a foreign language in the public schools and institutions of higher education. An introductory section, "American Sign Language and Deaf Culture Issues and Answers: A Basic…

This paper discusses the use of American Sign Language (ASL) in an English-as-a-Second-Language approach to teaching reading and writing skills to deaf students. The paper poses and answers the following theoretical and practical questions: (1) What is the nature of first language reading? (2) What is the nature of second language reading? (3)…

The report evaluates the Australian Second Language Learning Program, intended to promote introduction and expansion of second language learning in Australian elementary and secondary schools. The assessment was conducted after 2 years of the 4-year program development phase. The report consists of an executive summary and three main parts,…

The report concludes that education of persons who are deaf in the United States is characterized by inappropriate priorities and inadequate resources. Among deficiencies identified are the failure to implement available preventive and early identification procedures, monitor educational programs, and use tools of advancing technology. Specific…

The third systemwide review of Florida's state university second language programs is reported. The executive summary presents some institutional enrollment data and capsulizes findings and recommendations for improvement. The report's introductory section addresses systemwide concerns and issues, including state policy initiatives and comments on…