2025-2026 School Year
American Sign Language 1 GVL
Course Description
This is an introductory course in American Sign Language as developed and used by the Deaf community in most areas of North America. It consists of a preparatory phase to attune students to communication in the manual-visual mode, followed by instruction and practice in the alphabet, vocabulary, sentence structure, and elementary conversation. In addition, the course will address the Deaf culture and provide opportunities for the students to experience the Deaf community.
To be successful in this class:
Students must be able to maintain the atmosphere of a “silent classroom” (quiet with very little speaking) and devote time each day at home to practice the language and do homework. (Approximately 2 hours of homework each week outside of co-op).
In addition, students must be willing and able to attend at least one Deaf event during the school year. The teacher will provide a list of possible events to attend.
Grades: 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
Fees: $425
Course Credit: 1 CP Foreign Language Credit. Course can also be taken for honors credit. View Honors American Sign Language 1 Course Description for details on honors requirements.
Required Materials
Textbook:
Meet Caitlyn Anderson
Education: BA Degree in ASL
Experience: 7 years experience working as a certified sign language interpreter for the Deaf (since 2018). 5 of those years as an educational interpreter, language facilitator and substitute teacher of the Deaf, and 2 years as a freelance community interpreter. 3 years of experience as a missionary to the Deaf in South Asia. 8 years of experience working at a Deaf church in North Carolina. 7 years of experience tutoring in English and ASL. 1 year of experience teaching ESL at a Deaf School.
UHC courses taught:
- ASL 1
- ASL 2
Began teaching at UHC in 2023