Rockwall High School

Rockwall High School - American Sign Language I Course Syllabus 2016 - 2017

Instructor: Room Mrs. Melinda Lewis 2504 : Conference period: Tutori Tuesdays 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. 7th period, 2:55 – 3:45 p.m. ng Tuesdays 3:45 – 4:15 p.m. (or by appointment) times: School Phone #: Makeup days: Will be posted in room. (972) 771-7339 x6128 Check calendar for schedule. Teacher email: Web [email protected] site: http://ss.rhs.rockwallisd.org/staff_directory/mrs_melinda_lewis Remind Info: Text: @7c8h4c to: 81010

Course Description: ASL I is an introduction to American Sign Language and the Deaf community. Students will learn basic vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, and cultural foundations of ASL. Students will begin to learn to express themselves through signing by using: concrete ideas, fingerspelling and grammar. Using age- appropriate activities, students develop the ability to perform the tasks of the novice language learner. The novice language learner, when dealing with familiar topics, should: a. Understand short signed phrases when attending and respond expressively with learned material; b. Produce learned signs, phrases, and sentences; c. Detect main ideas in familiar material that is signed; d. Be able to transcribe American Sign Language (ASL) into English gloss; e. Recognize the importance of communication and how it relates to the American Deaf culture; and f. Recognize the importance of acquiring accuracy of expression by knowing the components of ASL, including grammar.

Textbook and Materials: Signing Naturally Student Workbook by E. M. Lentz, K Mikos, C. Smith and accompanying workbooks, and videotext/DVD. Students will not be issued a book. There is a class set in the room. Books are not to leave the room. If a students needs to use a textbook, they will have to come in before or after school.

Evaluation Criteria Method of Evaluation: Formative grades: (worth 30%) A = 90 - 100 Quizzes B = 80 – 89 Daily grades C = 70 – 79 Summative grades: (worth 70%) D = 69 and below Unit tests (receptive and expressive) Semester Exam Final Exam

Electronic Devices: For the most part, cell phones and other electronic devices will NOT be allowed in class unless otherwise directed by the teacher. On occasion, we may use them for an activity. If so, the teacher will specify that it is time to use your phones. The majority of the time, however, phones and other electronic devices need to be put away. Our goal is to teach students correct digital citizenship along with proper etiquette of where and when to use electronic devices. Students in violation of Correct Digital Citizenship and/or proper electronic device etiquette may be subject to disciplinary action. (For any additional information, please see student handbook.)

Participation:

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A great deal of class time will be spent with “voices off.” This does not mean you are restricted from communicating, but you are restricted from speech. It is very important that you pay attention to what goes on during these times because you will be responsible for material learned during the “voices off” times. Students will get a weekly participation grade, so appropriate participation in each day’s lesson is a MUST. The bulk of new information and review information will be conducted in ASL. This may sound scary but you will quickly understand how much you can learn without hearing! If you feel you are falling behind or are struggling, please come to my tutorial times and/or make an appointment.

Formative assessment (Daily grade) re-do * 3 days to see teacher * Re-do one daily/quiz assignment (1) per semester * Will replace old grade with new grade * Participation/activity grades cannot be re-done * Ex: 1st time = 56, 2nd time = 84, 84 in grade book

Summative assessment (Test grade) re-do * 3 days to see teacher * No limit per semester * Old + new = averaged together; max of 70 * Ex: 1st time = 47, 2nd time = 89; 47+89/2 = 67 in grade book * Ex: 1st time = 59, 2nd time = 96; 59 + 96/2 = 78, 70 in grade book

Late work = * If do not have = 0 * May turn in NEXT day * May turn in one (1) late assignment per semester * Grade is averaged with the 0

Makeup work = * one day to make up for each day absent * Ex: out 3 days, 3 days to turn it in EXCEPT: if student is aware of assignment/project/exam deadline and has received necessary instruction before the absence occurs, the assignment or exam is due upon the student’s return to school.

Questions? = * See teacher * See handbook * http://cdn.rockwallisd.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/HS-Grading- Procedures-2015-16.pdf

Discipline Plan: Tardy Policy: Per school policy, if a student is more than 10 minutes late, they will be marked absent. 1st tardy – teacher warning 2nd tardy – teacher detention and phone call to parent 3rd tardy – teacher detention and phone call to parent. 4th tardy – discipline referral sent to appropriate assistant principal. Failure to attend detention will result in an immediate referral to the Assistant Principal. ** Exception: If behavior warrants it, student will automatically be sent to their principal for immediate disciplinary action.

Supplies: 1 box of Kleenex OR 1 4-pack of Expo dry erase markers (red, blue, black, green) OR 1 pack of 3”x5” lined index cards

Detentions:

Teacher detentions will be assigned for Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:45 – 8:15 a.m. If a student does not show up for their teacher-detention, a referral form will be submitted to their alpha- principal. The Assistant Principal will take the appropriate steps at that time.

Classroom Expectations: I look forward to working with and getting to know each of you. I plan on students being successful in ASL and expect you to prepare for the same. The following expectations are in place to foster achievement in American Sign Language. 1. To be in their seats when the bell rings. 2. To be an active participant in class. ASL is a visual language, which means you must watch the teacher, students and guest speakers at all, times for instruction and communication. 3. To be prepared. Have all their materials with them (supplies, homework, pen, paper, etc.) 4. To be respectful. Treat yourself and others (teachers, students, administrators and substitute teachers) with respect at all times. Inappropriate behavior, insubordination, horseplay etc. will not be tolerated. You are expected to obey all rules set up by the R.I.S.D. and those listed in the student handbook. If we all work together with a collegial and cooperative spirit, I know this can be a fruitful year for all of us.

One Final Note: No voice policy is a standard policy in ASL instruction. ASL is taught in classes with a firm "no voice" policy. I may voice our “housekeeping” information, but new and review information will be covered in the target language, ASL. The classroom is a speech-free zone for two major reasons: learning environment and cultural respect. Not only it is a classroom policy, it is also a cultural norm and custom in visual world. Learning a language and learning its culture are inseparable.

Learning environment A student's learning ability is greatly enhanced by this no voice environment. Full immersion helps develop better receptive and expressive skills. Using voice may distract or interfere other students' learning process. In the early stage of learning ASL, a "no voice" policy is crucial. Some students may think it is easier to or may be tempted to learn ASL by using verbalizing in English. Easy start but bad start -- it doesn't help in the long run in developing their language skills. It's probably challenging for some in the beginning but a breakthrough will be rewarding in the long run. Those who choose the easier way in the beginning may face a more challenging receptive/expressive skills in the later stage. Another reason to be “voices off” is that ASL is a language of its own. Students are taught to think in ASL, not English, while signing ASL. Using voice while signing ASL may interfere with language development in vocabulary and grammar: incorrect uses of ASL vocabulary in different contexts (semantics), an incorrect grammatical structure and/or a limit of grammar skill.

Respect for a culture of the language The classroom is a good place to train and learn to practice a "no voice" habit that will be applied to a cultural behavior and norm in the ASL/Deaf world outside a classroom. Hearing people who know ASL usually communicate in ASL in any ASL/Deaf space or in front of any Deaf person to respect their culture and language. The use of voice is a rude or offensive behavior in Deaf space. It demonstrates an ignorance or disrespect for their culture as well as a reminder of the historical oppression. Language and culture are inseparable, integrated, and intertwined. ASL students are not just learning this language; you also learn their culture. Your role is to be an ally. For ASL is the most valued identity of their culture, the ASL natives whose language is regarded as the most precious gift of their culture share their language with you. From www.handspeak.com

Parents, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at:

RHS: 972-771-7339 Email: [email protected] Web Site: http://ss.rhs.rockwallisd.org/staff_directory/mrs_melinda_lewis

Email is the best way to get in touch with me. Please allow 24 hours for a response. The majority of my day is in class with students. Also, I want to make sure I have all the information needed to make a reply.

Thank you and I look forward to having a GREAT year with all of you! _\m/

Mrs. Lewis RHS ASL teacher

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