NO VOICE POLICY

The American Sign Language Teacher Association and I insist on maintaining a signing environment at all times in the classroom for two reasons:

1. It is considered rude and insulting to talk (voice) in front of Deaf person and at the same time not making information passing between you and the other person accessible. Since your teacher is Deaf and your goal is to get to know Deaf people in the community, it is imperative that you develop a habit of signing when Deaf people are present.

2. This is an immersion class which means only the target language is used. Using only American Sign Language helps you develop both your comprehension skills and your expressive skills quickly and effectively. Using voice, whispering and/or mouthing disrupts this process and delays your language development.

If a student asks you for help, feel free to help by using signs you have learned or by writing back and forth. In this way, I can see what is being said and can join in to help, if need be. All cell phones must be turned off during class.

When a student takes ASL classes, it is imperative that the student respects and follows the principals and philosophy of American Sign Language and Deaf Culture. Remember, American Sign Language is a VISUAL language, not an auditory language. NO VOICE- Class Participation consists 60% of the final grade per 9 weeks grading period. I will evaluate and grade each individual, based on WHAT I SEE.