Honors ASL 4 will be officially offered as a course next year.

The class, taught by ASL teacher Michele Pierce, will continue to build on the foundation of earlier ASL courses while also placing a greater emphasis on Deaf culture through discussions of health care, major life decisions and Deaf literature. Students will learn how to interpret national broadcasts, explain rules and more.

“I’m excited to learn about interpreting national broadcasts,” junior Emily Wang said. “It will give me greater insight into how the world works through ASL rather than just through English.”

The class was supposed to be offered in the 2024-25 school year, but was canceled due to insufficient enrollment. However, students currently enrolled in ASL 2 and 3 showed enough interest this year for it to be officially added. ASL is the third most commonly used language in the U.S. today, according to the Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Pierce believes that many students wanted to enroll in ASL 4 because of the personal benefits of learning a second language. 

“Furthering your skills in a second language gives you confidence and global leadership,” Pierce said. “You’re able to communicate with and give equity to a minority culture that historically hasn’t been given that.”

After completing the course and passing an oral proficiency test comparable to AP or IB exams, students will be able to earn a Seal of Biliteracy. Beyond that, Pierce also hopes to prepare students to be advocates for the Deaf community. “There are so many deaf people around us that often feel isolated, and they don’t have to feel that way,” she said. “We’re trying to bridge the gap between hearing and Deaf culture.”

Students currently enrolled in ASL 3 can contact their counselor to enroll. Students can also take a placement test to become eligible or reach out to Pierce for more information at [email protected].