HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 6452

As Amended by the House

BYSenate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators Rinehart, Bailey and Lee)

Providing for the study of American sign language to meet foreign language graduation requirements.

House Committe on Education

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (18)

      Signed by Representatives Peery, Chair; Spanel, Vice Chair; Appelwick, Betrozoff, Butterfield, Cole, Cooper, Ebersole, Fuhrman, Holm, P. King, Pruitt, Rasmussen, Rayburn, Rust, Todd, Valle and Walker.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (2)

      Signed by Representatives Holland and Schoon.

House Staff:Susan Patrick (786-7111)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 4, 1988

BACKGROUND:

American Sign Language (ASL) is now generally recognized as a separate and complete language with its own unique grammar and syntax.  ASL is the third most used language in the United States other than English.

SUMMARY:

For purposes of meeting any state or local school district foreign language requirement for high school graduation, and for purposes of meeting any foreign language requirement for general undergraduate admission to the state's four-year college and universities, sign language shall be considered a foreign language.

The State Board of Education shall consult with the National Association of the Deaf and the Washington State Association of the Deaf in establishing rules pertaining to the qualifications of instructors or interpreters of sign language.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Roger F. Pendergraft, Washington State Association of the Deaf; Leon Curtis, Department of Social and Health Services Deaf Services; Sharon Schira, Tacoma Deaf Services; Senator Nita Rinehart.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Recognizing American sign language as a foreign language is an important step in increasing understanding and communication between the hearing and deaf community.  The University of Washington has already accepted this alternative and offers classes in sign language.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.