Board approves new high‑school American Sign Language 3 course

The Arlington School District Board of Directors approved a new high‑school course, American Sign Language 3, after a presentation explaining the course’s focus on storytelling, deaf culture and interpretation skills.

Board members heard from staff who described ASL 3 as the capstone in the district’s ASL sequence. The presenter noted the course emphasizes cultural context and expressive signing (storytelling) and prepares students to bridge between ASL and interpreting practice. The class will build on ASL 1 and 2 and is intended for seniors who have completed prerequisites.

District staff identified the teacher leading the course as having deep ties to the deaf community; the presenter described the instructor as a CODA (child of deaf adults) and a practicing interpreter. Staff said the district cannot currently offer college credit for ASL through a local college partnership because the instructor does not hold a master’s degree and state/college accreditation requirements would apply.

Student advisors who had taken ASL previously spoke in support; one student advisor described the sequence as “learning a new language” and encouraged the board to approve the course. A motion to approve American Sign Language 3 passed with Directors Watts, Kelly, Diamond, Knapp and President Levesque voting yes.

Staff indicated the district will offer the course on an alternating schedule (ASL 3 offered every other year) to balance enrollment across ASL 1 and 2 sections and keep class sizes full. No additional district‑level funding or certifications were approved at the meeting; staff said course crediting and certification options will be revisited if staffing or credentialing changes.