|
Grades: 7-12
Credit: One
Prerequisite: None
Course Description
Students develop the ability to communicate about themselves and their immediate
environment using simple sentences containing basic language structures. This
communication is evidenced in signing, receiving signs and non-manual gestures,
and reading. Students begin to explore and study the themes of Personal and Family
Life, School Life, Social Life, and Community Life.
This course’s primary goals, aligned with Virginia and national standards, are to:
•Communicate in American Sign Language
Students function in a variety of practical settings using signed communication as well
as non-manual gestures and knowledge of Deaf culture.
•Understand other cultures
Students demonstrate an understanding of traditions, customs, beliefs, and cultural
contributions and how these elements relate to language.
•Connect with other disciplines and acquire information
Students connect information about the language and cultures they are learning with
concepts studied in other subject areas.
•Develop insight into their own language and culture
Through study of language and culture, students recognize, compare, and contrast
language concepts as well as cultural perspectives, practices, and products.
•Participate in the global community
Students use signed communication to communicate with people within the Deaf
community (Deaf and Hard of Hearing), to improve their own communication skills and
to enhance their view of themselves as citizens of the world.
Each topic addressed in the Program of Studies has progress indicators defining
what students will be able to do. For example, under the theme Personal and Family
Life, the topic Greetings and Introductions specifies that students will be able to
perform introductions; use appropriate salutations with friends, family, and strangers;
and be able to introduce themselves to the Deaf community. Essential vocabulary and
language structures are presented to students within the context of the themes and
topics.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has developed and uses the Performance
Assessment for Language Students (PALS) program. Performance assessments are
conducted routinely throughout the year and are rated using PALS criteria (rubrics)
developed by FCPS foreign language teachers. The end-of-year assessment again
uses the PALS performance criteria.
For additional information, including resources for students, see the FCPS Foreign
Language Home Page at: http://www.fcps.edu/DIS/OHSICS/forlang/.
|
