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American Sign Language 1

Mrs. Heymann
aheymann@pasco.k12.fl.us
(813) 794-9400
I am available for calls and return emails from 2-3pm.
Grading System
The following scale will be used to determine report card grades for each quarter:
Grade Percent Range GPA Value Definition
A 90 - 100 4 Outstanding Progress
B 80 - 89 3 Above Average Progress
C 70 - 79 2 Average Progress
D 60 - 69 1 Lowest Acceptable Progress
F 0 59

Textbook
Master ASL! Level One by Jason E. Zinza Chapters 1-5
We will also be utilizing laptops and other texts in the classroom.
Topics in the textbook include but are not limited to:
Introductions
Asking for help
Personal information
Family and friends
School related information
Deaf culture
ASL literature
Calendar of topics presented:
August-September
Unit 1 of Master ASL
October
Unit 2 of MASL
Deaf for a Day project
First signed narrative with fall theme
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November
Unit 3 MASL
History of ASL
Presentational dialogue with theme from Unit 3
December
Continuation of Unit 3 MASL
January-March
Unit 4 MASL
Class presentation on Deaf narrative TBA
April-June
Unit 5
Song project
Story narrative
Final exam
The above is a general guideline of our topics.
Point Worth
Tests/Quizzes 50%
Class-work/homework 15%
Projects 20%
Participation 15%
A peer-tutoring schedule will be developed at the start of school. Level 3
& 4 American Honor Society students may attend to help an ASL 1
student or for help from the teacher.
Extra Credit
Extra credit (5 point) will be given for the following:
Attending a Deaf/Silent Social related event with a short paragraph
explaining the event
Answering a posted extra credit question on a given Monday and turned in
on time (typically within two class dates)
Course Description
The purpose of this course is to enable students to begin to acquire proficiency in
ASL through a linguistic, communicative and cultural approach to learning.
Emphasis placed on the development of receptive and expressive signing skills
and on the acquisition of the fundamentals of applied grammar. Cross-cultural
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understanding is fostered and real-life applications are emphasized throughout
the course.
Technology
Use of technology is strongly encouraged such as Power Points, apps, Youtube
and Deaf/ASL related websites. Smart phones are a valuable asset in our
classroom and will be used for educational purposes only. It Is not necessary to
have one, but will be beneficial.
Students can access vocabulary videos through my CANVAS site. CANVAS is
Pascos newest tool to integrate classroom learning online. Homework, projects
and class information will be accessed via CANVAS. If a student does not have
internet at home to complete online homework, they may use the schools IMC
before, after and during lunchtime hours.

Objectives
1. Engage in conversations in ASL to express feelings, ideas and opinions.
2. Demonstrate understanding of expressive ASL on a variety of topics.
3. Present information and ideas to an audience through ASL.
4. Demonstrate understanding of social interaction patterns within ASL and
Deaf culture through participation in cultural activities.
5. Apply knowledge of ASL and Deaf culture to further knowledge of other
disciplines.
6. Analyze and use different patterns of communication and social interaction
appropriate to the setting.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of use of ASL within and beyond the school
setting.

Expectations for the student:
1. The student, while inside the classroom will communicate using ASL or
other forms of Total Communication (writing, mime, drawing, pigeon)
2. While in study groups the instructor expects the students to use their ASL
skills even when not talking about the subject matter. Use of ASL in the
classroom is not only beneficial to the students to increase their
expressive communication, it is culturally appropriate.
3. No Voice policy in the classroom is strongly enforced the first day of
American Sign Language.
Attendance and Make-up Work
It is the responsibility of each students parent or guardian to explain his/her
students absence within two (2) days upon returning to school. The parent will
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be required to justify each absence and that justification will be evaluated based
on criteria listed in the Student Code of Conduct that defines excused and
unexcused absences. Failure to provide requested documentation will result in
unexcused absences. Excused absences guarantee students the right to make
up any and all assignments given on the day(s) of absence at full credit. The
student is responsible for asking the teacher for assignments with in two
(2) class meetings with the teacher. The teacher shall specify a reasonable
period of time for completion of make-up work (excluding tests). In no case shall
the time be less than one full calendar day for each day missed. Work due to be
turned in on the day of the excused absence will be turned in and given full
credit. IF YOUR ABSENCE IS UNEXCUSED, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO
MAKE-UP THE WORK.
Missed tests will be given within a reasonable time period according to days
missed. These tests will be given by classroom mentors. These are students in
their 4th year of ASL and highly skilled in the language. Because of the nature
of this language, the tests are given manually in ASL. Any test not involving
direct ASL communication will be given in class the next day of returning
to class after the test is missed.
Typically there is one written and/or signed assignment a week. Late
assignments are not tolerated. Late homework will be given a zero grade.
*Any project not completed on given date, will have 20 points taken off per
late day.

Academic Dishonesty
I expect my students to act with integrity; therefore academic dishonesty will not
be tolerated and will be treated as a serious breach to the Code of Student
Conduct. Academic dishonesty occurs when a student uses or attempts to use
someone elses work in taking an exam, or submits as his or her own work
essays. Reports, class work/homework, notes, or other assignments prepared
by someone else is also academic dishonesty. If this occurs, the teacher will
make a determination of grade and/or academic penalty or the incident can be
reported to the schools administration. The consequences may include, but are
not limited to the following: rewriting of the assignment, completion of another
exam/assignment, a zero percent grade (0%) for the exam or assignment, loss of
class privileges, or in-school suspension.
Another expectation under academic dishonesty is plagiarism. Plagiarism is the
"wrongful appropriation" and "purloining and publication" of another author's
"language, thoughts, ideas, or expressions," and the representation of them as
one's own original work. It is important that passages/sections used in any paper
or project are quoted and cited correctly to avoid teacher or administrative
consequence.
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eSembler
eSembler is a web-based gradebook designed to increase parent involvement by
allowing parents to access their students grades. Although all faculty members
are required to post grades online, parents and students should expect that
reasonable amount of turn-around time is needed to grade work and post it on
eSembler.
Tardiness
All students are expected to arrive on time for each class period. A student who
is later than five minutes to class is no longer considered tardy, but skipping
unless an excused admit is provided. Students will be subject to classroom and
school-wide disciplinary action as a result of tardiness.
Bathroom Passes
Please make sure the bathroom is used between bells. Passes will be issued for
bathroom use, however abuse of this will be taken away if a pattern has been
established.
Supply List
1. loose leaf paper
2. plastic one inch three ring binder
3. dividers(5)
4. pen/pencil
5. USBs specific for ASL class
*You will receive extra points on your first quiz if you have items #1-5 on the list
by the end of the week.
Classroom Procedures
Students are seated in groups at a tables. Students may choose their seats on
the first day of class and continue to have that seat unless moved by the teacher.
This increases receptive signing skills. Students are to adhere to the No-Voice
policy at all times in the classroom.
Homework is written on the board, signed to the class, and posted on CANVAS.
Students can sign up for homework reminders on REMIND 101.
Sign Language & Cultural Event Opportunities
I will post Deaf related events for students to attend. American Sign Language
Honor Society members will organize one silent dinner per semester. I
encourage you to attend.

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Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to ASL 1. My name is Mrs. Heymann and I am looking forward to a
great year together. This will be my fifth year at Land OLakes High School. I
have been using ASL and total communication for twenty years and looking
forward to teaching you my love of this beautiful language.
By the end of this course, you should be able to converse in basic sign language,
but this will take some effort from you. You will have to make the effort to get
involved in using the language in the classroom from the moment you step into
the classroom. It is my hope our classroom will simulate an ASL immersion
environment. The only way to learn any language fluently is by using it on a daily
basis.
ASL is a visual language, so do your best not to use your voice. From the very
first day I will be teaching with my voice turned off, so you will do the
same. This is the best way to learn this languagedont be scared!!
Participation is very important in this course. ASL is a visual and gestural
language and your whole body will be engaged in learning this language.
Throughout the semester, we will be doing a number of classroom activities in
groups. These activities will be counted as classroom participation. This is worth
15% of your grade.
You will have presentations to do this year (one per quarter). These
presentations will have you doing various things (i.e. discussing family,
demonstrating how to create something, signing a song, signing a book, etc).
This is worth 20% of your grade.
Most Fridays will be a quiz. These quizzes will be receptive in nature and we will
review the day before they are given. Quizzes and tests are 50% of your grade.
If you have any questions, please feel free to talk with me, or parents, you may
email me. We are going to have a wonderful year!
Good luck!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Heymann




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Please PRINT
sign and return for an additional
5 points on your Friday quiz.

I have read the Syllabus for my ASL 1 class and I am familiar with the
requirements/expectations for the course (grading policy, late work,
make-up work, attendance/participation, rules, etc.).

Students Name (print)
_______________________________________________________
Students Signature
_______________________________________________________
Student Email _______________________________________
I have received and read a copy of the syllabus for the ASL 1 class
my student is taking.
Parent/Guardians Name (printed)
_____________________________________________________
Parent/Guardians Signature
_____________________________________________________
Email
_______________________________________________________
Home Telephone _____________________________
Cell ____________________________
Work Telephone _____________________________
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