Lake Travis High School
American Sign Language 2 Syllabus
August 2015-June 2016
Teacher: Lois Witherspoon Wright
Room
F205
Phone
533-5830
E-mail
wrightl@ltisdschools.org (preferred contact)
Conference A Day: 2:17-3:45 pm
Course Description: American Sign Language 2 (ASL 2) furthers student
knowledge and experience of the language and culture of Deaf people in the
United States. The course will focus on specific language and cultural
behaviors, as well as ASL grammar. Both expressive and receptive skills of
students will be practiced, with additional emphasis placed on students’
expressive skills as the year progresses. Students will continue to participate in
extensive interactive classroom activities to ensure immersion in ASL. Both
students and instructor will use the “Voices-Off” Policy for more extended
periods of time.
Materials Required: 1 1/2" 3-ring binder with 5 dividers
a 1-subject spiral notebook with perforated edges
black/blue pens
pencils
1 package 4 x 6 index cards (200 count)
1 package dry erase markers
materials from home upon request
(videotape, magazines, etc.)
Textbooks: Signing Naturally Level 1 (Student workbook and videotape/CD)
Dawn Sign Press $44.95
For Hearing People Only
Deaf Life Press $35.95
Supplemental Materials: An illustrated American Sign Language dictionary is
critical for test preparation and as a reference for special projects. Therefore, it
is highly recommended that students purchase one for personal use. There is a
set of dictionaries available during school, but these are not available for
“check-out” purposes. Most ASL illustrated dictionaries can be purchased for
$10-25. Random House Webster’s and Martin L.A. Sternberg’s are both
excellent choices. There are also many online ASL dictionaries which allow
you to access ASL vocabulary although some of them require a fee for
unlimited access. I recommend you research several to determine which you
prefer and I have included some ASL dictionary links on my web page.
Classroom Rules: Follow all district, school and classroom policies
Respect the property, rights and opinions of others
Arrive in class on time and prepared
No food or drinks in the classroom (water permitted)
Cell phones off and in teacher hangar*-unless class activity
Participate in all classroom activities
Abide by the “Voices-Off” Policy
Class Policies:
1. Attendance - it is critical for any class that you are present and on time.
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.
If an assignment was to be turned in the day you were absent, you
must turn it in the day you return to class, or it will be considered late.
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 starts with a “warm-up”, so please be seated and ready to begin.
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 to have your textbook,
notebook, paper and a pen 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 –
Major Grades: Exams/Projects/Interactions
(minimum 2 per grading period)
Culture - FHPO/quizzes/videos/DVDs
(minimum 3 per grading period)
Minor Grades: Participation/warm-ups/
classwork/homework
(minimum 10 per grading period,
5 or less will be participation/completion)
Notebook
(1 per grading period)
40%
20%
30%
10%
7. Tutoring – You or I may request tutoring at any time. It will be set up
on an individual basis from 8:10-8:40 am or 3:50-4:20 pm. Additionally,
I have study groups during the week. I will be posting these times in my
room and on my district webpage.
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 further
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.
Review of ASL I
Exam
Aug. 25-Sept. 9
Sept. 11
SIGNING NATURALLY / FOR HEARING PEOPLE ONLY
UNIT 7 Giving Directions / Chapters 66-76
Exam
Sept. 15-Oct. 5
Oct. 7
UNIT 8 Describing Others / Chapters 77-87
Exam
Oct. 9-26
Oct. 28
UNIT 9 Making Requests / Chapters 88-98
Exam
Oct. 30-Dec. 2
Dec. 4
NOTEBOOK CHECKKS
Aug. 27/Oct. 22/Dec. 8
MIDTERM PROJECTS (song video)
Dec. 8
SIGN PARAMETERS 7-9
Dec. 10
REVIEW & MIDTERM EXAM
Dec. 14-18
UNIT 10 Family/Occupations / Chapters 99-109
Exam
Jan. 6-Feb. 2
Feb. 4
UNIT 11 Qualities of Others / Chapters 110-120
Exam
Feb. 8-March 4
March 8
INTERACTION PROJECT 2/NOTEBOOKS
March 44
UNIT 12 Routines / Chapters 121-131
Exam
March 21-April 26
April 28
SIGN PARAMETERS 10-12
May 12
FINAL PROJECTS (My Life Story)
INTERACTION PROJECT 3/NOTEBOOKS
May 18
May 24
REVIEW & FINAL EXAM
May 24-June 2