Culturally Acceptable Language Immersion (CALI)
1 - NO voices. In this class we are here to learn how to sign, not how to talk. Some of you are already very skilled at talking. So now lets work on our signing.
2 - Eye contact. If you're not watching, you're not learning. It's that simple. All learning in this class is 100% visual. If you're not watching, you miss things, then I have to go back and repeat it. That slows the rest of the class down (I got quite a few complaints about that from your fellow students last year). So, keep focused.
3 - Participation. Every day in class (and even outside of class when I meet you in the halls and around town) I do "informal assessments" of your signing skills. I do this by watching you sign and watching your responses to others who are signing. If you don't participate, I can't determine your progress and can only assume that you are not making progress. So, I'll insist on participation from everyone.
World Languages Grading Policy
Major Grades- 30%
Tests
Projects
Long Papers
Formal Lab Projects
Performance Assessments
Minor Grades- 40%
Smaller projects
Shorter papers
Quizzes
Labs
20% from class activities as determined by the teacher
10% from homework assignments
In class activities (20%) may not be retaken
Tutorials
I have tutorial times Monday-Friday at 8:30 a.m. and most afternoons by appointment only. What does this mean? Well if you cannot come during the morning, see me during class or send an email and ask me if I am available in the afternoon. Usually I am but just in case I am not, you won't waste your time waiting for me.
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Redo/Retake Policy
A Redo/Retake is available when a student earns a grade below 70% on a quiz or a test (Major and/or Minor Grades).
• The maximum grade a student can earn on a Redo/Retake is 70% if the student scores 70% or more on the Re-do/Re-take.
When a student earns a grade below 70%, the student will complete a Redo/Retake request form and turn it in to the teacher.
• The form requires a parent signature and will be available to students in the classroom or here:
Redo/Retake assignments may be different from the original assignment.
Students will have 5 school days to complete their re-do/re-take.
In class activities (20%) may not be retaken
Cell Phones and BYOD
Unless otherwise informed, all ASL classes operate under a NO BYOD policy. Devices are to be kept in student bags or purses. They are not to be out or in use, unless I give specific permission. The reason is because we are creating a "mini-culture" in ASL class where respect for the Deaf and the visual mode of learning is emphasized. Cell phones and other devices take away from this goal and are thus prohibited.
Under the RRISD guidelines, I am authorized to request any device from a student. When this happens, if I am given the device at first request with a minimum of fuss, I will usually return it with no fuss at the end of class. If I have to request it more than once or am otherwise inconvienced, I may turn the cell phone in to the office. At that point a parent must come get it and pay a $15 charge.
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Rules and Procedures
In this class we are learning, not just ASL, but also about the Deaf culture and about how to respect different cultures in general. The way we do this is by creating a "mini-culture" within the classroom. This mini-culture gives us the opportunity to actually experience a culture different than your regular day-to-day experiences.
For this "mini-culture" to be successful, it requires the participation of everyone. Even just one person can mess it up for the rest of us. As the teacher, I of course will enforce our classroom rules when I see them being broken, but for this class to be truly successful as a "mini-culture" I cannot do it alone. I need help from all of you.
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Late Work
Late work can be handed in:
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For up to a 70 one block day after it was due
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For up to a 50 the Wed. before IPR if due the first 3 weeks of the 6 weeks grading period
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No late work will be accepted for the first 3 weeks after this point
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For up to a 50 the Wed. before MPR if due the second 3 weeks of the 6 weeks grading period
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No late work will be accepted for the second 3 weeks after this point
Absences
For non school related absences:
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You have one block day for each day missed to turn in work for full credit. It is the student's responsibility to follow up with any missing work.
For school related activities:
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Work due on the day of your absence is still due that day. Teachers MAY agree to a different arrangement with them made BEFORE the absence. After the due date the Late Work policy applies.