Lake Travis High School
American Sign Language 1 Syllabus
August 2015-June 2016
Teacher: Lois Witherspoon Wright (Ms. Dubb)
Room
F205
Phone
533-5830
E-mail
wrightl@ltisdschools.org (preferred contact)
Conference A Day: 2:17-3:45
Course Description: American Sign Language 1 (ASL 1) introduces students
to the language and culture of Deaf people in the United States. The course will
focus on specific language and cultural behavior, as well as introduce students
to the grammar of ASL. Both expressive and receptive skills of students will be
the focus of the course, with a major emphasis placed on receptive skills.
Students will participate extensively in interactive classroom activities using the
“Voices Off” Policy to ensure ASL immersion.
Materials Required: 1½” 3-ring binder with 5 dividers
a 1-subject spiral notebook with perforated edges
black/blue pens
pencils
4 x 6 index cards (approximately 300)
1 box of kleenex
materials from home upon request
(videotape, magazines, etc.)
Textbooks: Signing Naturally Level 1 (Student workbook and videotape/DVD)
Dawn Sign Press $44.95
For Hearing People Only (class set only)
Deaf Life Press $35.00
Supplemental Materials: An American Sign Language dictionary is critical
for test preparation and as a reference for special projects. Therefore, it is
highly recommended that students purchase either an online version or an
illustrated book. There is a set of dictionaries available during class, but these
are not for “check out” purposes. Most ASL dictionaries can be purchased
either online or at a bookstore for about $10-$25. Random House Webster’s
and Martin L.A. Sternberg’s are both excellent choices for an illustrated book.
There are also a number of online video dictionaries to choose from. Many of
them offer some free vocabulary but require you to buy the program for
frequent access. My recommendation is to sample several to determine which
you prefer. I have included several links for online ASL dictionaries on my
web page under links.
Class Rules: Follow all district, school and classroom policies
Respect the property, rights and opinions of others
Arrive in class on time and prepared
Cell phones off and in teacher hangar* unless class activity
No food or drinks in the classroom (water permitted)
Participate in all classroom activities
Abide by the “Voices-Off” Policy
Class Policies:
1. Absences/Makeup Work – It is very important that you be on time and
present for class. If you do miss a class, it is your responsibility to
obtain all information and work for the day/s you were absent.
If you are absent, you will have a period of time equal to the length of the
absence in which to turn in makeup work or to develop an alternative
plan with me.
School related absences require that work be turned in prior to the
absence or the first day following the absence. These arrangements will
be made on an individual basis.
2. Late Work – A “late” assignment is one that is not turned in when
collected in class. Assigned homework is due at the beginning of each
class and will only be accepted late the week it is due with a 15 point
penalty. Projects, interactions and classwork may be accepted after the
due date with a 15 point deduction for each day late. After three class
days, 50% is the highest grade possible.
3. Tardies – Promptness is essential in any classroom. Our class routine
generally begins with a “warm-up”, so please be seated and ready with
your work. 3 tardies will result in a referral and parental contact.
4. Materials – You will be expected to bring all materials to every class,
unless otherwise instructed. It is essential that you have your notebook
with textbook, paper and a pen/pencil at all times.
5. Academic Dishonesty – Please read the section entitled “Cheating” in the
Student Handbook. Note that all cases of academic dishonesty must be
referred to the Assistant Principal and a grade penalty of zero may be
assessed to the work in question for all students involved.
6. Grading – The grading scale is as follows:
A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
F = below 70
Major Grades: Exams/Projects/Interactions
(minimum 2 per grading period)
Culture - FHPO/quizzes/videos/DVDs
(minimum 3 per grading period)
Notebook
(1 per grading period)
Minor Grades: Participation/warm-ups/
classwork/homework
(minimum 10 per grading period,
5 or less will be participation/completion)
30%
20%
10%
40%
7. Tutoring – My regular tutoring schedule for ASL 1 is from 8:10-8:40 on
Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. ASL 2 tutoring is 8:10-8:40
Tuesday and Thursday mornings. If these times are not convenient, we
will set up others at students' request.
You will find additional policies and information in your Student Handbook.
Please read the handbook carefully and contact me regarding any questions you
may have.
My goal is your success using this unique language. I promise to work with
you and your parents to ensure that with your consistent effort, you will begin
to develop your receptive and expressive skills using ASL! I look forward to a
wonderful year with you.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE: When learning a second language, it is vital that
students master the basic vocabulary, concepts, and grammar of that language
before progressing to more advanced levels. In order to ensure that sufficient
time has been allocated for the mastery of each unit, the following dates must
remain tentative.
Introduction/Fingerspelling/Numbers
Exam
Aug. 25-Sept. 1
Sept. 3
SIGNING NATURALLY / FOR HEARING PEOPLE ONLY
UNIT 1 Introducing Oneself / Chapters 1-11
Exam
Sept. 8-22
Sept. 24
UNIT 2 Exchanging Personal Info. / Chapters 12-22
Exam
Sept. 26-Oct. 19
Oct. 21
OBSERVATION PROJECT
Oct. 29
NOTEBOOK CHECKS
Aug. 28/Oct. 23/Dec. 7
UNIT 3 Discussing Surroundings / Chapters 23-33
Exam
Oct. 22-Dec. 1
Dec. 3
MIDTERM PROJECT (nursery rhymes)
Dec. 7
SIGN PARAMETER CARD PROJECT (1-3)
Dec. 11
REVIEW & MIDTERM EXAM
Dec. 11-17
UNIT 4 Telling Where You Live / Chapters 34-44
Exam
Jan. 5-Feb. 1
Feb. 3
UNIT 5 Talking About Family / Chapters 45-55
Exam
Feb. 9-March 7
March 9
UNIT 6 Telling About Activities / Chapters 56-65
Exam
March 22-April 25
April 27
SIGN PARAMETER CARD PROJECT (4-6)
May13
FINAL PROJECT (signed songs)
May 17
INTERACTION PROJECTS/NOTEBOOK CHECK
March 3/May 23
REVIEW & FINAL EXAM
May 23-June 1