FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6452

                                  C 172 L 88

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.

Senate Committee on Education

House Committe on Education

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

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.  Allowing sign language to meet foreign language graduation and admissions requirements can contribute to a greater understanding of the social and cultural aspects of deafness and address communication barriers which exist between hearing and deaf people.

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 undergraduate admission to the state's four-year college and universities, sign language shall be considered a foreign language.

The State Board of Education will consult with the National Association of the Deaf, "Sign Instructors Guidance Network" (S.I.G.N.), and the Washington State Association of the Deaf in establishing rules pertaining to the qualifications of instructors of sign language.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    46     1

      House 91   4 (House amended)

      Senate    45     1 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:June 9, 1988