American Sign Language
Guyer High School
Instructor: Mrs. Cherie Montgomery
E-Mail: cmontgomery@dentonisd.org
Classroom phone: 940-369-1039 Room L 106
Conference Period: A/B 5 (3:15-4:10)
Tutorials: Tues. 8:00-8:45 a.m. and Thurs. 4:10—4:45 p.m.
Course and Description: ASL 2 students will develop novice-to-intermediate level proficiency, …”dealing
with familiar topics, should understand ASL phrases receptively and respond expressively with learned
material; sign learned words, concepts, phrases, and sentences; recognize the importance of
communication and how it applies to the American Deaf culture; and recognize the importance of
accuracy of expression by knowing the components of ASL”. TEKS Chapter 114.35(b)(7)
Classes will consist of direct instruction, watching videos (primarily native signers), individual work,
numerous interactive activities, signing projects etc.
Target Language: In this class, it means that we will work with voices off with increasing frequency as the
year progresses. We will be using visual/gestural forms of communicating instead of our voices.
Texts/resources: Master ASL, Signing Naturally, American Sign Language; A Teacher’s Resource and a
variety of videos.
Class Supplies (required):



Binder/folder-optional. This folder can be kept and be used for ASL 1- 4. Notes, and other materials
will be available electronically, as well.
# 2 pencils (pens are an option, but pencil is required for all glossing)
Notebook paper – no ruffled edges turned in please
Optional: Box of tissue – We will share these, so please bring a box or two.
Classroom Expectation:
Respect the learning, each other, the school and yourself.

Participate, cooperate and do the work! Attend class, do the activities. ASL is seen and signed, so
participation is essential for learning. Use time appropriately.

Homework – practice every night! You will become a more fluent signer! Teacher produced videos
and suggested websites will be discussed in class.

Do your own amazing work! ASL classes will follow Guyer cheating & plagiarism policies.

Cells and other electronics: ASL requires eyes and hands, so ASL student cell phones will be taken
up if seen in class. See Guyer rules.

Gum, food and drinks are not allowed at Guyer. This rule stands in the ASL class room. You are
welcome to bring a plain water bottle. (no sugars)

School appropriate attire is necessary in the classroom and in video projects. See Guyer rules.

Bells! Bells start the class and the ending bell is a reminder to me that class is ending. Students
remain seated until dismissed.

Restrooms are close. Please us them during passing periods. If there is a medical need for special
accommodations, let me know privately.

School Rules are made for a reason! I choose to follow them and ask you to, too.
Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Department Grading Policy


Major Summative Assessments 70%
Minor Summative Assessments 30%
Major Summative Assessments
Major Assessments are designed to evaluate understanding and skills. They take place at the end
of a learning unit incorporating what has previously been evaluated in the unit’s minor assessments.
Examples: unit tests, essays, projects, presentations, research papers, guided conversations,
comprehension or interpretation of video texts, and written assessments on American Deaf culture and
history.
Minor Summative Assessments
Minor assessments are designed to check for understanding addressing of a smaller set of learning
objectives as compared to major assessments. Examples: quizzes, brief versions of the elements listed
in Major Assessments.
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessments will be given continually. They are for practice so that the student and
teacher to gage the success/progress of learning. It is “designed to provide direction for improvement
and/or adjustment of teaching and learning activities for individual students or for a whole class.”
Formative assessments are not reflected in the final grade.
Reassessments:
A student may reassess a minor/major summative assessment only after the student has demonstrated
new learning to justify a reassessment. This acknowledges that students process and master material at
different rates. The teacher will make sure the student knows what specific activities and relearning that
need to take place in order to reassess, as well as any other requirements to reassess. The reassessment
must be completed within 10 days of the primary assessment. Semester and Final Exams will not qualify
for reassessment.
An assessment may be reassessed once. Reassessments are worth full credit.
A student must fill out a “Request to Reassess Form” to begin the reassessment process. This can be
found on Mrs. Montgomery’s website, or in her classroom.
Make-Up Work:



Students are responsible for any work missed and arranging a time to take minor and major
assessments.
It is the student’s responsibility to check on material missed, assignments, and/or assessments the
day he/she returns from an absence, if he/she has not already do so through the teacher
webpage or Canvas.
Late and missed assignments need to be turned in before class begins.
Non-Academic Work/Behaviors:
Work or behaviors that are not supported by the standards are considered non-academic. There
have been many misunderstandings regarding what this means for students at Guyer. Students may still
have homework, practice pieces, etc. Students will still have due dates and deadlines.
Student actions that impede the learning process such as: not completing assignments/not participating
in class, chronically turning in late work, etc. may be met with disciplinary measures that include, but are
not limited to: parent contact, teacher detention/tutorial, school detention, Saturday School, ISSC, loss
of Parking Permit, loss of Dismissal Period.

1ST offense (student misses due date): Teacher makes parent contact and arranges
mandatory tutorials for student.

2nd offense (student misses deadline): Teacher may refer student to administration for
disciplinary action.

Administration will contact parent and assign an after school “detention tutorial” in
which the student will produce the missing work.

Administration will also warn student that subsequent failure to produce work will result in
loss of parking privileges and dismissal period.

3rd offense (student misses another deadline): Student loses parking privileges for one week
and is assigned a half day of Saturday School in order to complete the missing assignment.

4th offense (student misses another deadline): Student loses parking privileges for one month
and assigned one full day of Saturday School in order to complete the missing assignment.