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High school students ask Fayetteville-Manlius to add American Sign Language elective
Summary
Two juniors urged the board to establish an American Sign Language (ASL) course; district staff said certification changes at the regional level may make adding the course easier.
FAYETTEVILLE-MANLIUS — Two juniors from Fayetteville-Manlius High School told the school board they want American Sign Language added as an elective course, arguing ASL would expand communication access and provide students with college and career benefits.
“An ASL course would allow students to incorporate ASL into their everyday schedule,” said Sadie Gitner, one of the students who spoke. “They would have the option to learn from an experienced educator of whom they can ask questions and converse with.”
Gitner and fellow junior Soren Bong told the board their ASL club has about 27 active members and that a student survey of roughly 200 high school students found about 65.5 percent favorably viewed offering ASL as a course. The students said the club filmed the pledge of allegiance in ASL for the 2025 school year and that an elective would give students more consistent instruction and the possibility of credit.
District staff and a board member who manages certification outreach said the regional certification office (OCM BOCES) is working on changes to make it easier for teachers to add ASL certification. Sarah Wade reported that OCM BOCES has proposed reducing requirements from 30 credit hours and two exams to 18 credit hours and one exam; the proposal was about to be posted for public comment and would go to the Board of Regents for consideration.
Superintendent Dr. Tice and staff described prior conversations with students and advisors and said the district will keep the ASL club updated as certification and staffing feasibility are explored. Board members thanked the students for their advocacy and asked staff to continue examining logistics including staffing, certification and potential scheduling impacts on other world language enrollments.
No formal action was taken at the meeting to add ASL to the curriculum; board members noted program and staffing decisions are administrative but welcomed the students’ proposal and directed staff to follow up.
