American Sign Language Level 2
2015-2016
Course Expectations ~ First Day Handout
Mrs. Sara Rhodes
Hours of availability: Red Days 7:30-2:45 and Gold days from 2:15-2:45
Phone: (858) 523-4000 ext. 1385
Email: srhodes@cathedralcatholic.org
Learning a language can be a fun experience, but it also requires dedication and practice.
To be successful, you will need to participate and sign in class!! You also need to truly
learn the material (not just temporarily memorize it!) This means you need to devote at
least 10 - 15 minutes a day to reviewing what we’re learning in class. Those who fail to
do this will struggle greatly during American Sign Language!
Course Description:
This ASL 2 course further develops reception and production skills in American Sign
Language. Emphasis will be on Deaf culture, numbering in ASL, vocabulary, and
grammar rules. Students will be required to sign prayers, narratives and ASL poetry.
There will be various assignments where students must be prepared to sign in front of
the class as well as one on one with other classmates and the teacher.
Expected School-wide Learning Results
In this course students will: Apply knowledge, skills, and intellectual curiosity in the
pursuit of higher learning. Communicate effectively through the written, signed, and
spoken word. Apply and analyze the tools of technology ethically. Recognize and value
diverse people and cultures and work cooperatively toward a common goal.
Textbooks:
1. Master ASL – Level One - with DVD (includes workbook) Author(s): Zinza, Jason E.
Format: Hardcover
Pub. Date: 2/15/2006
Assignment Types & Percent of Grade
In-Class 15% Homework 15% Tests/Quizzes 30% Performance 20% Finals 20%
Performance: This category includes your in-class participation and overall
performance; your responsible work on laptops & iPads; your ASL signed presentations;
signed class projects; and any extra credit.
Assessment: This category includes quizzes and tests. Each unit will include several
quizzes as well as a Unit test. Pop quizzes will also be given (without notice.)
Final exams: Covers all the material you have learned in your ASL classes. The exam
includes multiple choice vocabulary questions, grammar related questions, and Deaf
culture questions. There is also an expressive portion to the final exam that will be
signed in an interview style scenario; and a vocabulary randomizer that is used as an
expressive assessment.
No talking policy
Research shows the best way to learn a second language is through immersion. With
ASL, this means learning & listening with your eyes and not your ears.
Expectations:
Please come to class prepared to learn! This includes:
1. Sit in your seat when the bell rings.
2. Remove your backpacks from the desk, and set them on the floor. Your desk should
be clear at the start of every class, unless otherwise instructed. A clear line of sight is
needed in ASL.
3. Fully participating in class, this includes a majority of time in “voice-off” mode. This
means that you are not talking during our “sign only” times in class and while on many
of our outdoor activities. After a friendly warning, detentions will be issued to those
who do not adhere to this policy:
4. Always use your manners, appropriate language and conversation in class.
5. No eating in class, unless you ask for permission. (Water bottles with lids are
allowed.)
6. Raise your hand when you wish to share your thought or answer a question.
7. Utilize your passing periods and lunch breaks to go to the bathroom, your locker, or
get water.
8. Any time you need to leave the classroom you must take the class pass.
Supplies:
Ipad
Master ASL textbook
#2 Pencils (lead or mechanical).
Black and/or blue pen.
Technology:
Your iPad must be charged before you arrive in class, charging your device during class
is not permitted. Students are responsible for remembering their passwords, logging in
frequently, turning in work on time, and asking for help when needed!
Homework:
Homework is posted on the classroom whiteboard, and as a courtesy to parents, will be
updated on the homework website as well. I will announce your homework in class as
well as post to the homework page. It is beneficial for students to practice ASL
vocabulary, sentences, and conversation for 10-15 minutes. Students are responsible for
all work.
Collecting student work:
Our ASL classroom is at 90% paperless, which means that most of your work will be
submitted electronically via a virtual storage site such as Google Drive or Itunes U.
Additionally, all your work should be typed using the Pages application on your iPad.
Projects:
iMovie projects and research assignments assist in demonstrating your knowledge of
Deaf culture, stories, performances and its rich history. These include expressive
narratives that directly reflect your signing skills.
Quizzes and Unit Exams:
We will have regular quizzes on the material covered in class as well as a larger Unit test
at the end of each chapter.
Absent make-up work:
It is your responsibility to make up whatever work you miss when you are absent! All
make-up work must be turned in directly to your teacher, and is due the day after you
return from your absence; otherwise it will not be accepted, and you will receive a “0.”
You will lose 20% of credit for every day your assignment is late.
Make-up tests & quizzes:
You are responsible to schedule a time (within one week of absence) to make-up any
tests or quizzes that you missed, with your teacher. If you fail to schedule a time, or fail
to arrive at a scheduled time you will receive a “0” for the test or quiz.
Extra Credit:
There are a variety of Deaf events that you may attend for extra credit. In order to
receive credit, you must turn in a 1-page reflection paper that you typed (excluding title
or cover page.) Attach a copy of the online Deaf event report and include specific details
in your report such as names of individuals you met, observances unique to that
particular gathering, and strategies used to facilitate communication.
Academic Dishonesty
Cheating – to act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage, especially in a
game or examination.
Plagiarism - the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as
one's own.
Consequences for cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty will
include, but are not limited to, receiving a zero on the assignment, quiz, or test, and a
detention and referral. Lying to the teacher or the Dean’s office may result in further
consequences.
Please sign below to show that you have read and clearly understand the rules
and procedures of Mrs. Rhodes ASL classroom.
_________________________________ Student’s Name
_________________________________ Student’s Signature
_________________________________ Date
___________________________________ Parent’s / Guardian’s Name
___________________________________ Parent’s / Guardian’s Signature
___________________________________ Date