•  Course Calendar
     
     

                            American Sign Language 1http://dailynorthwestern.com/media/2437772628.jpg

                             Mrs. Rezach, 2015-2016

    Email: erezach@bhpsnj.org

    Main Office Mailbox: Rezach

    Goal:  American Sign Language I students study ASL as a World Language  well as the history and culture of the Deaf Community.  Students communicate in this visual-gestural language with its own vocabulary, grammar, idioms and syntax. Students participate in an in-depth study of a variety of sign systems and modes of communication used within the Deaf community.  Students will learn American Sign Language through meaningful, interactive activities in real-life contexts.


    Timely, diligent and focused completion of all assignments and consistent daily review of vocabulary and grammar are the foundations for understanding and success in every World Language course.  Students are responsible for all information in assignments and should be aware that not all information in the homework assignments is covered during class time.  Valuable class time is used to expand upon and deepen student understanding beyond the simple foundation provided for in the homework assignments.  Use of on-line digital translation programs is not a substitute for the daily application of required effort.



    Textbook and Resources:  Master ASL, Level 1 (for use in-class only),  www.ASLPRO.com, http://www.signingsavvy.com/


    Course Outline:

    • Introductory Unit Manual Alphabet, Name, Age, Numbers

    • MASL Unit 1 * Welcome              *Each UNIT includes sign vocabulary, conversational

    • MASL Unit 2 Getting Started.                             skills, grammar, history of ASL, Deaf Culture

    • MASL Unit 3 Seasons and Holidays.                  Deaf community.

    • MASL Unit 4 Family

    • Final Exam


    Grading Policy [ Assessments in ASL fall into 4 general categories ]


    • Homework/Participation               25% (Class Part. Classwork, Assigned HW, VocabQuizlet)

    • Quizzes 75%   (Expressive, Receptive, Written Quizzes, Journals, Essays)

       

     

    a. Expressive Quizzes:  Student signs sentences, story, dialogue, schedule, You will be required to present expressive assignments/quizzes in front of the class.  These quizzes include sentences, dialogues, and stories for each vocabulary unit.  All assignments are due at the beginning of class. Must be typed and sent to Google Classroom before presenting.

     

    b. Receptive Quizzes:  Teacher signs, you write. Students show level of understanding.

     

    c. Written Assignments(=Quiz): Quizzes, journal/writing assignments, summaries, reaction papers, Q&A, research. Must be typed and sent to Google Classroom. All written assignments are due on the assigned date regardless of absence.


    d. Homework/Participation: Attention, participation, USE of ASL, ask/answer questions, focused group work, grades on sign quizlets, classwork, homework, etc)

     

    Google Classroom, Calendar and Powerschool: Students are expected to check Google Classroom and Powerschool on a daily/frequent basis. Vocabulary Units, Information, Reading Assignments and Written Assignments are posted on Google Classroom. It is the student’s responsibility to check powerschool and see or email the teacher questions on grades or missing assignments.


    Expectations:

    • Students are expected to come to class prepared and on time with all necessary materials.

    • You are expected to use ASL in class.

    • Participation is required each and every day in ASL.  

    • Respectful and cooperative behavior is expected at all times.

    • Food & drinks are not permitted in class.

    • Cell phones and I-pods are not permitted in class.  If visible or used in class your phone/I-pod will be taken and given to the Assistant Principal and a phone call will be made to parents.  

     

     Expectations for class participation:   This class involves much interaction and presentation of skills in ASL. Standing in front of your peers is a difficult thing to do and is often heightened by an inattentive audience. As a member of this class you will help create a “safe environment” through support and encouragement in daily activities and especially during presentations of expressive projects. This is done by treating your teacher, your peers, yourself, and others with respect at all times. We are a team and you are expected to act in such a manner of support and encouragement to your classmates at all times. Any inappropriate actions and/or remarks (signed or spoken) will not be tolerated. Any student not doing his/her part to help create and maintain a “safe environment” will be dealt with accordingly.

    This class will strive to follow a “FULL IMMERSION” model. This means the class will be immersed in the language and culture of Deaf people as often as possible. Much of instruction and class activities will be conducted using ASL. Various methods will be used to help you understand. You will be expected to participate and follow along in class using ASL. If you do not understand, and I guarantee there will be times you won’t, it is essential that you follow Deaf culture & use the signs SLOW, AGAIN, DON’T-UNDERSTAND, for clarification. You need to give regular feedback to me and classmates through active listening skills.* Through these active listening skills you can show me your desire to have the best “full immersion” experience.


    Expectations for Written Work:

    • Include a Proper heading on all work

    • Type in TNR font # 12, Double-spaced

    • All written work is submitted to Google Classroom  due by classtime on the assigned due date.

    • Save all written work with your first initial, last name, brief description    [e.g.  msmith Unit 1 Journal 1]

    • All written assignments are due on the assigned date regardless of absence.

    Absence:

    In the case of an excused absence:

    • Students are responsible for making up missed work.

    • All written assignments are due on the assigned date regardless of absence.

    • Students are expected to make up missed work, including tests and quizzes, on the day they return to school.

    • In the event of field trips, students must make arrangements with the instructor regarding tests and quizzes before the event.

    • Students that are late to school or class will not provided with extra time for work and students that are late to school and miss class should make be prepared to make up work that same day.

    • Exceptions will be made for extended illness or other extenuating circumstances that arise.

    In the case of an unexcused absence (Cutting Class):

    • Students who cut class receive no credit for the day and receive a zero on missed work, including tests and quizzes.


    Teacher Absence: You must check Google Classroom for the “assigned Classwork” to be completed during the class period. The substitute will be instructed to have all students complete assigned classwork.


    Late Assignments:

    In general, assignments, projects, papers will drop one full letter grade (10 points) for every late day.  Including monthly calendars.

    Cheating and Plagiarism Policy:

    Cheating or plagiarism will result in a zero for the assignment.  Instances of plagiarism will be reported to the Assistant Principal.  


    Turnitin.com: Students may be expected to submit written work to Turnitin.com. Teacher will specify assignments.


    GLHS: Act with Academic Integrity:

    Cheating, copying, plagiarism (using someone else’s words or ideas without citation), falsifying data, on-line translators, and other unauthorized use of materials is dishonest and will not be tolerated.  Most universities will expel a student who is caught cheating. In this class we will use an honor code similar to that found in many universities. Any major assignments, (not submitted through Turnitin.com), quizzes, or tests you turn in must contain the following statement handwritten and signed by you at the top of the first page before it will be accepted or graded.


    “On my honor I certify that this assignment is my own work and that I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this (test, exam, paper)”


    iPads:

    Students will be expected to bring their iPads to class, charged, on a daily basis. Not having your iPad is to be unprepared for the day.  Student use of iPads in the classroom is restricted to topics and materials which, per the instructor, further the implementation of the day’s lesson.  Students who are off topic with their iPads risk negatively impacting their grade for the assignment and potentially face disciplinary consequences.

    Suggestions for Success from past ASL students:

    Make friends with a Deaf student

    Don’t let work pile-up

    Teach little brother/sister/family/friends sign language


    Ask for help

    Pay attention in class

    Check First Class often


    “As long as we have deaf people on earth, we will have signs.” – George Veditz, 1913 President of NAD.