Title: Navigating Challenges in Sign Language Education: A Personal Perspective
As a lifelong user of American Sign Language (ASL), I have always taken pride in my language skills. Growing up in a household with a deaf mother, ASL has been an integral part of my identity. Throughout my academic journey, I consistently excelled in ASL courses—earning perfect scores in Levels I through III, reflecting my fluency and familiarity with the language.
However, this academic year has presented unexpected challenges. Our original instructor, who was highly knowledgeable and supportive, was replaced by a new teacher with a different focus—Signs Envisioned as English (SEE)—rather than authentic ASL. Despite my confidence in my knowledge and understanding, I received a C on every assignment, even when I believed I was demonstrating mastery.
The culmination of this situation was the final exam, which we completed last Wednesday. Today, we received our grades, and I was surprised—and frankly frustrated—to find that I earned a D. My overall course grade has fallen to 68%, a significant drop from my first semester’s 72%. This outcome feels especially disheartening because I know my skills and that I understand the material.
Adding to my frustration, my mother arranged a meeting with the teacher to discuss my progress. During the meeting, it became evident that the teacher was unfamiliar with ASL, unable to understand my signing—a stark reminder of the importance of instructors being well-versed in the language they teach.
This experience highlights the critical need for qualified educators in language programs, especially for languages as essential and nuanced as ASL. It’s crucial for teachers to possess genuine proficiency to support students effectively and respect the culture and communication styles inherent in the language.
Navigating such challenges can be disheartening, but they also underscore the importance of advocating for authentic language instruction and understanding. As students and supporters of language education, we must raise awareness about the significance of proper training and cultural competence among educators in sign language programs.