American Sign Language (ASL) II
Connie C. Morales
cmorales@rollinghillsprep.org
Goals:
Welcome back to school and to American Sign Language II! As you have discovered,
ASL is a fun and visual language, and I am thrilled you are continuing your journey of
learning ASL! Here in this course we will continue to build your skills learned in ASL I
and continue to communicate using your hands, body, and facial expressions. Skills
emphasized in this course will be: expressive (signing with your hands and using facial
expressions), and receptive (understanding and recognizing sign language), and
incorporation of proper hand shape and space to communicate more effectively in ASL.
As this is your second year in ASL, communication within the classroom will be done in
ASL, with little or no use of our voice. Videos and web based tutorials of native signers
will be used to build your receptive skills, and partner and group work with also assist
with receptive skills. Writing skills will be improved upon with compositions on deaf
culture, current events, or book/article reports.
What the Pillars Mean in the ASL Classroom:
Disciplined minds
Communication in ASL should occur both in and outside the classroom* Understanding
ASL “grammar” and language patterns will ensure proper technique when expressing
oneself in American Sign Language* Memorizing new vocabulary* Completing home
work and assignments* Arriving to class prepared and studying for tests and quizzes
Creative spirits
Make ASL fun to learn by using techniques that work for YOU* Build on prior
knowledge* Gain an appreciation for ASL used in the arts
Sound character
Respect for other cultures and beliefs*Understanding that honesty and integrity are
expected at all times* Be supportive of others and their efforts to learn ASL
Expectations for Conduct and Effort:
Conduct:
Please follow all school rules, especially our rules regarding respect. As mentioned
above, a supportive environment is necessary to ensure that everyone is comfortable
learning ASL and practicing it both in and outside the classroom. I am here to assist you
on your journey of learning ASL and I hope that you find the environment safe and
welcoming should you need any extra help or support.
Please come to class prepared and ready to engage. Water is permitted; however, please
do not bring food into the classroom. Please turn off cell phones and put them away
while in class.
Participation:
It is crucial that you are an engaged and active participant in class if you are to learn
ASL. Participation will be part of your grade, so you should be prepared and ready to
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engage in class activities daily. Class will be conducted in ASL and talking will not be
permitted at times. Please refrain from using your voice in class and do your best to
communicate using ASL.
Materials:
Please bring your text book (Signing Naturally-Level Two), composition book, binder,
and pens/pencil everyday. Please keep all assignments and handouts organized in your
binder so that you may reference them when necessary.
Homework Assignments:
 Homework is not assigned frequently, however you can practice your skill at home
and with friends off campus. All homework will be announced in class and be
posted on my teachers’ page, so please check the page often.
 Homework must be legible and complete for full credit. Late homework will be
accepted for half-credit. If homework is habitually late a note will be sent
home and your advisor will be notified. Homework is due at the beginning of
class and if not turned in at that time it is considered late. Excuses such as, “I
forgot,” “I left it at home,” or “My printer was out of ink” will not be accepted,
and your work will be considered to be late.
 Any reports should be typed and double-spaced; journal entries in your composition
books must also be double spaced and legible to ensure I can grade them. LATE
REPORTS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. IF YOU WILL BE ABSENT THE DAY
A REPORT OR PROJECT IS DUE, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO
MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH ME TO TURN IT IN.
 Assignments should always have a heading with your first and last name, the date,
the class title ASL II, and the assignment.
 Please stay organized and record all homework assignments, test and quiz dates in
your planner.
Absences:
In the event you are absent, you are responsible for any information given in class that
day. Please refer to my teacher page to get assignments and you may ask a friend what
was covered in class that day. Please feel free to contact me as well. If you have an
activity that will conflict with class (sports, field trip, etc), you must speak with me prior
to the event, you will still be responsible for assignments but I am more than happy to
make accommodations. If you are ill and miss class, your homework is due when you
return to class; however, you are responsible for showing it to me.
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Grading Scale:
The grading policy follows the A through F scale described in the school handbook.
1st and 3rd trimesters:
2nd trimester:
Test and Quizzes 20%
Test and Quizzes 25%
Projects and Compositions 10%
Homework and Participation 25%
ASL Dictionary
15%
ASL Dictionary
15%
Homework and Participation 20%
Projects
25%
In Class Activities
15%
In Class Activities
10%
Final exam 20% Attendance on the exam date is mandatory
.
Remember, this is a safe environment for learning and it will take practice and time
to learn ASL, I am here to help and support you on your continued journey to
learning ASL. Again, welcome to ASL II! I am looking forward to the school year
and I hope you are too!
NOTICE TO SENIORS:
All seniors may “ace” our of any Tri III final exam if that senior has: 1) an A- or higher
recorded on the transcript for both Trimesters I and II, and 2) has a recorded 90% or
higher in FAWeb for Trimester III reflective of all work excluding the final exam. If
both of these conditions are met, then the senior is not required to sit for the Trimester III
final exam.
Please sign here to confirm that you have read and understand this prospectus.
Student:___________________________________ Date: ______________
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