SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6452

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

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 20, 1988; January 26, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6452 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Kiskaddon, Vice Chairman; Bender, Benitz, Craswell, Gaspard, Lee, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Larry Davis (786-7422)

                  March 4, 1988

House Committe on Education

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 16, 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.  Allowing American 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 people 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 admission to the state's four-year college and universities, American 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.), in establishing rules pertaining to the qualifications of instructors of American sign language.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: G. Leon Curtis, State Coordinator for Deaf Services, Department of Social and Health Services; Senator Nita Rinehart, Sponsor

HOUSE AMENDMENTS:

Sign language generally, rather than American sign language specifically shall be considered a foreign language for purposes of high school graduation foreign language requirements.

Sign language shall be considered a foreign language for purposes of any foreign language requirement for undergraduate admission to a state college or university.

The State Board of Education shall also consult with the Washington State Association of the Deaf relating to the evaluation and certification of sign language instructors.