If you have ever thought that your student could not go to college due to the difficulty of needing to earn credit in another world language, then please read on.
Depending on which degree program or college a student plans to attend, he or she will need to earn credit in a world language from high school. For special education students, this can be a real challenge. Since deciding to go to college is not stressful enough for the families, special education students are still required to meet the criteria. There may be accommodations at the high school level, but let’s face it–if the student has a difficult time reading their own native language, then learning another world language will also most likely be a struggle.
One option is to take American Sign Language (ASL) in high school. If this language is available at your students’ high school then this may be a better option. ASL is a visual language and in many cases, it is easier for a student, who learns differently, to grasp. It could also be a good choice for any high school teenager with or without special needs. People who are not “deaf” can still take this class for credit. Many school districts and colleges recognize ASL as a world language and will accept it upon registration.
Unfortunately, there are not enough ASL translators, interpreters, or teacher’s for this language. For some students who are interested, learning to teach ASL could open a few doors not currently being knocked on. Consequently, there are few districts that actually teach ASL for credit. Yes, there are ASL interpreters at the local school district if a student requires this accommodation; however, those interpreters do not teach a class, and therefore, the student will not earn credit.
If an ASL class is not currently begin offered, the head of the world language department at your school district may be able to assist. If not, it is worth a try to contact the powers that be on the school board or even at the Department of Public Instruction in your state.
For college admissions, many colleges and universities have language “substitutions” but these are not advertised. Prospective students will need to call and ask–it is my experience that smaller colleges will make the concession and help the student earn a language credit.
Special education students who want to attend a college or university have options after graduation.
Picture credits to: http://www.start-american-sign-language.com/support-files/startasl-sign-language-alphabet.pdf
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