Sign 2
Mr. Adair 2014-2015
Welcome
Learning a language is a little like riding a roller coaster. Most roller coasters are designed with a big hill at the beginning. Gears in the track pull the cars up the hill. Once the roller coaster gets over that first peak, it is has enough momentum to finish the rest of the hills on the track without mechanical assistance.
As you begin learning a new language, you will be climbing up that big hill this year. It may be frustrating at times. Hang in there, because once you hit the top, things will click for you and you will “get it”. There are ups and downs after that point, but it is one heck of a ride. =)
Purpose of the “signing only” policy:
In class, we have a “signing only” policy. There may be times when we use English to process language elements or discuss culture and history. However, most of the time in class will be spent signing. Here are a few reasons for this policy.
The language issue:
Comparing English to American Sign Language (ASL) is like comparing apples to oranges. They are very different languages, have different grammar structures and different ways of expressing concepts. In class, some basic meanings are explained in written English. However, English equivalents for signs are not given. This is done to help you learn how to think in ASL. Relying on English translations and voicing will hinder your progress in learning ASL.
The goal of learning a language is to be able to use it with native speakers. Your goal in taking ASL is to be able to communicate with deaf people. Whispering in English to a deaf person isn’t going to work. By using ASL during class, you will become comfortable using ASL to function in a signing environment. Things like asking someone to give you a paper or telling someone to hand you your backpack will become second nature because you will be doing it every day in class.
The culture issue:
In the deaf community, it is considered good manners to sign in the presence of deaf people. Voicing instead of signing puts a deaf person at a disadvantage because they do not know what is being said. When a hearing person is in a room full of people talking, they can hear what is being discussed even if they are not participating in every conversation. A deaf person should be able to have the same experience. By following the signing only policy when you enter the classroom, we are able to create a “deaf friendly” environment.
What if I need to ask the teacher a question?
Please respect the signing only policy when you come in the room, even if class hasn’t started yet. If you have something you need to tell me right away, use pen and paper if your signing skills aren’t advanced enough. This method is used by deaf people every day as they interact with people who don’t sign. If there is something you want to discuss with me in English, I am happy to meet with you before or after school or during Edvisory.
EXPECTATIONS
- Be in your seat when the bell rings.
- Actively participate.
- Follow the signing only policy.
- Be prepared for class—notebook, paper, and pencil, along with any assigned homework.
Objectives of Sign 1:
We will be using the Signing Naturally curriculum. By the end of the year, you will be able to:
- Introducing oneself and exchange personal information.
- Discuss surroundings and give directions in the school and community.
- Talk about your family.
- Describe what people look like, the personal attributes and qualities.
- Talk about occupations.
- Plan activities and discuss daily routines.
- Behave in a culturally appropriate way around deaf people.
- Know about the origins of ASL and the history of Deaf people in the United States.
MATERIALS
You will be provided with:
a student workbook and DVDs to take home. Please take good care of these items! They are purchased as a set, and if any part of the set is damaged, the set will need to be replaced at a cost of $80. Please leave the DVDs and workbook home. This helps minimize wear and tear on the materials. They will be turned in at the end of the year.
You will need to supply:
a notebook, or a section in a larger notebook designated for this class for taking notes periodically. You are also encouraged to have a flash drive that you can use as a back-up for saving videos that you will be making of your signing. Make sure you have paper and pencil with you every day in class. If you need to use some of the classroom paper supply, it may cost you points.
ASSIGNMENTS
All assignments must be completed and turned in on the date assigned in class. Unless a student has a school excused absence, late assignments will not be accepted. Assignments that are due while a student is out because of an excused absence must be handed in the first day the student returns to class. If assignments are turned in electronically via Moodle (online classroom), they must be submitted by the posted due date. The following assignments will be given:
Student Workbook/Video Assignments
The workbook and DVDs have comprehension activities that parallel the information we learn in class. Plan on having an assignment from the workbook a couple of times each week. If you are completing assignments at home in a study group with other students, you are expected to follow the same policy at home as we do in the classroom: It is okay (in fact encouraged) to discuss answers using ASL, but it is never appropriate to simply copy another person’s work. Do not do this. Work that is copied from other students will not receive credit.
Video Portfolio
In addition to the workbook assignments, you will be filming yourself signing periodically. This serves a few functions, including allowing yourself the opportunity to view and assess your work. Because ASL does not have a written form, this is one of the few ways available for you to actually SEE everything you have just produced.
In-class Signed Presentations
Periodically you will have short assignments that will be performed for class. If you have extenuating circumstances that prevent you from performing your assignment in front of the class, arrangements for an alternate way to complete the assignment need to be made with the teacher well before the due date.
Deaf Culture Experience
Each quarter, you are required to be involved in some kind of experience relating to deaf people and their culture or language. You will be given a list of options to choose from. If there is something not on the list that you would like to do, it must be approved by the teacher BEFORE you do it. Your paper must be typed. More information about this assignment will be given in class.
Grades
100%-95% A
94%-90% A-
89%-85% B
84%-80% B-
79%-75% C
74%-70& C-
69%-65% D
64%-60% D-
59%- F
I will only accept late assignments that are two days old, any of them after that will be an F.
If a student has a medical emergency or otherwise cannot make bring their assignments to class will need to bring a note from their parents.
CITIZENSHIP
Students are expected to be respectful to the teacher and other students in class, and to make a good-faith effort to stay in the target language and participate during classroom activities. The following factors influence your citizenship grade:
Honors
Student is an active class participant, is helpful and courteous to other students, and makes an effort to stay in the target language (ASL) during class. Student is honest when recording participation points. He or she is an asset to class.
Satisfactory
Student participates in class, and does what is expected. Student may sometimes exhibit behaviors that are not appropriate in a deaf-friendly environment—whispering, not maintaining eye-contact, and not paying attention, although he/she will correct behavior when asked. This doesn’t happen very often.
Needs Improvement
Possible issues include: Student exhibits behaviors that are not appropriate in a deaf-friendly environment—whispering, not maintaining eye-contact, and not paying attention. Student-recorded participation points are not an honest representation of how the student has performed in class. Student is disrespectful to other students or the teacher.
Unacceptable
Possible issues include: Student consistently exhibits behaviors that are not appropriate in a deaf-friendly environment—whispering, not maintaining eye-contact, and not paying attention. Cheating or dishonesty on tests, assignments or student-recorded participation points. Student is disrespectful to other students or the teacher.
OPPORTUNITIES
WSU Concurrent Enrollment:
Junior and senior students in good academic standing have the option of taking Sign I as a Concurrent Enrollment (CE) class through WSU. This allows students the opportunity to earn WSU college credit while taking the class. The WSU class taken concurrently is ASL 1010. Students who sign up for Concurrent Enrollment become Weber State students. They are treated as WSU students, and are expected to behave as such.
If you decide to take this class for CE credit, read the WSU syllabus for the class. Please pay special attention to the attendance policy for CE students explained in the syllabus. If you later drop the class, you must notify the CTE office so you can be dropped from ASL 1010 at WSU. Dropping the class after the cut-off date will result in a “W” on your college transcript.
World Language Fair:
Students will be required to participate in the World Language Fair on Tuesday, March 25th, 5:00 to 7:30 at Bonneville High. This is an exciting opportunity to try out your language skills in a setting outside of the classroom. This will also be part of your 4th quarter grade. Information can be found at
ASLHS
ASL Honor Society is a nationally recognized organization that promotes academic excellence, and service. Opportunities for service to the Deaf community will be provided through ASLHS activities during the year. Students meeting specific academic and service criteria will be able to become formal members of the organization, and list membership on college and scholarship applications. More detailed information can be found on the blog under the “ASLHS” page.
POLICIES
Late Work Policy:
Unless the student has a school excused absence, late assignments will not be accepted. Assignments that are due the same day the student is absent must be handed in the first day the student returns to class. Assignments turned in electronically via Moodle (online classroom) must be submitted by the posted due date.
Student Workbook/Video Assignment Retakes:
Students may re-take workbook/video assignments as needed. These retakes must be done at school. This may be done during Edvisory, or before/after school. Any retakes must be completed within two weeks of the original assigned due date. No retakes will be accepted during the last week of the quarter.
Make-up Work and Retakes:
Students who have missed a test due to a school-excused absence or who wish to re-take a test may do so. These must be completed during the one of the scheduled make-up sessions. These times will be posted in the classroom. Students may not make up tests after the scheduled make-up sessions have passed.
Cell Phones & Electronic Devices:
Cell phones and electronic devices can be useful learning tools. Periodically, students will have the opportunity to record reminders for assignments, look up information, or use the camera function on their phones to make videos. If electronic devices are being used without teacher permission or are being used for activities that do not relate to the assigned task, they will be taken away and given to the administration according to school policy procedure.
Dress Code:
I fully support the Fremont High dress code. If you are not appropriately dressed, you will be referred to the office.
Attendance:
It is important for you to be here in class. It is impossible to fully replace the experience you get from being in class, not to mention the fact that we miss you when you are gone. You are an important part of our language community. Please note that students who are more than 15 minutes late to class, or leave more than 15 minutes early will be marked absent. Students who are late/leaving early may still be able to earn participation card points for the day if they are present for at least half of the class period.
What to do when you are absent:
- Check the blog to see what we did in class the day you were absent. Please don’t ask me about make up work right before class starts.
- Make up missed work. See blog. When you come in to make up a video or test, you are also earning your participation points for the day missed.
- If you didn’t miss a test or video, you will still need to make up your participation card points for the day of the absence. Come in before/after school to sign with a friend, or attend an ASLHS activity.
Hall Passes:
Students will be allowed three hall passes per quarter. The hall pass may not be used during the first 10 minutes of class. Students gone longer than 5 minutes risk being marked truant. If you have health problems that require more frequent use, please notify the teacher.
THE FINE PRINT
Although I feel have done a pretty thorough job of outlining policies and procedures, it is possible that a situation may arise that I haven’t addressed in this document. I reserve the right to make policy decisions that are not explicitly listed here. I will make every effort to keep my classroom a safe place where teacher and students alike feel respected. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
-- Mr. Adair
It’s going to be a great year!
Please detach and hand in.
I have read and understand the disclosure statement for Sign 1.
- I am aware of the option for my junior/senior to take ASL 1010 concurrently at WSU.
- I am aware of the date of the World Language Fair.
- I can find the class blog where daily classroom activities and assignments are listed, as well as this document and other handy resources.
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student name (printed)student signature
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parent name (printed)parent signaturebest time to contact me
The information on the WSD portal will be used to contact you. Please take a moment to ensure that you have the most current contact information on your portal account. The front office (801-452-4000) can help you if you are not sure how to access your WSD portal account or make changes.
Anything else you would like me to know about your student: