Deaf learners whose first language is American Sign Language face particular challenges and constraints in developing literacy in English as a second language. These constraints are interrogated and discussed in terms of their relationship to issues of language proficiency in both L1 and L2, and to models of second language literacy education.…

Describes a director's experience working with "A Taste of Sunrise," a play depicting the deaf culture. Stresses how important it is to educate the cast and provide them an opportunity to learn sign language. Notes that American Sign Language is complex and beautiful and deserves to be carefully studied and respectfully acknowledged by the hearing…

To help teachers and administrators of American Sign Language (ASL) design and implement effective ASL programs, this Digest answers questions about ASL and the essential components of an ASL program, including ASL course design, methods and approaches for teaching ASL as a second language, and ASL instructional materials. (nine references) (VWL)

Describes the American Sign Language Intensive Program offered at the Manitoba School for the Deaf twice each summer, which is based on input from program staff, daily evaluations of participants over six years, and direct observation and experience of the author as participant. A key feature is program control by deaf individuals and participant…

A discussion of the field of clinical linguistics outlines the scope of the discipline, notes its relationship to other speech- and language-related fields, and describes the components of an undergraduate program for individuals in a linguistically relevant clinical field. It suggests general linguistics curriculum components for clinical…

During the last decade, the study of American Sign Language (ASL) as a second language has become enormously popular. More and more schools and universities recognize the important role that ASL can play in foreign language education. This monograph provides a comprehensive introduction to the history and structure of ASL, to the Deaf community…

This final report describes the activities and outcomes of OPTICA (Our Path Together Initiating Cultural Access) programs. For each program an information sheet indicates the goal, total participation, status of the goal, and activities of the program. Programs included: (1) Hands On: ASL Creative Story Telling, a program that used children's…

California's framework for second language education describes the state's requirements for development of effective foreign language instruction in the public schools. Chapters address these topics: (1) the economic, civic, and cultural benefits of a foreign language program; (2) characteristics of an effective program, including…

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…