NAC389.571. American Sign Language: First year.  


Latest version.
  • A course of study in American Sign Language must include instruction designed to teach a pupil by completion of the first year:

         1. Receptive skills, including, without limitation:

         (a) The ability to comprehend simple statements and questions in standard dialect even if the pupil requires repetition for comprehension;

         (b) A general and detailed understanding of expressions that are short and discrete; and

         (c) The ability to comprehend the main idea of simple, extended messages and conversations.

         2. Expressive skills, including, without limitation, the ability to express basic personal needs and to compose statements, questions and short messages, even if the pupil commits errors in grammar and in the production of signs, in a manner that is comprehensible to a person who is fluent in American Sign Language and who is experienced in communicating in American Sign Language with persons who are not fluent in American Sign Language.

         3. Interactive skills, including, without limitation, the ability to initiate and engage in conversation with a person who is fluent in American Sign Language and who is experienced in communicating in American Sign Language with persons who are not fluent in American Sign Language, using simple statements and vocabulary and grammar appropriate to the situation. The pupil may have to repeat or rephrase his or her statements or questions so that the statements or questions are understood by persons who are fluent in American Sign Language and who are experienced in communicating with persons who are not fluent in American Sign Language.

         4. Cultural skills, including, without limitation:

         (a) Knowledge of the existence of different cultures and a basic understanding of the culture of the community of persons who are deaf;

         (b) Knowledge of current events involving persons who are deaf and of persons who are deaf who are prominent in American society;

         (c) The ability to function in authentic, commonplace situations in the community of persons who are deaf even if the pupil makes errors that impede communication; and

         (d) Familiarity with the location of and directional signs within the geographical area of the school in which the class is taught.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Education by R036-99, eff. 11-3-99)