American Sign Language (ASL) is the predominant language spoken by deaf people in the United States. It is a fully developed, rich language and is distinct from the English language. Although ASL is used in the United States, it is considered a foreign language because of the unique rules of grammar and usage that it employs.

 Why Should ASL be offered in High School? 

 1. ASL is a visual and manual language rather than an auditory/verbal language. Therefore, students who struggle to grasp a new language through the auditory channel may prefer learning ASL as compared to a traditional foreign language and be more successful achieving proficiency. 

 2. There are a multitude of opportunities to utilize American Sign Language in daily life and in the workplace.

 3. The study of ASL offers many educational benefits. It provides a unique perspective by introducing students to a new culture and also gives them a fresh view of their own language and culture. 

 4. Knowledge of and proficiency in the use of ASL can make students more employable in both deaf and non-deaf related careers.

 5. The study of ASL and the culture of the Deaf community provides the same challenges and rewards as the study of more traditional foreign languages.

 6. The study of ASL and Deaf culture can help students to become more tolerant of differences and appreciate diversity. 

 Penn Trafford High School currently has a World Language Program which includes course offerings in French, Spanish and German. We are asking that the administation and school board consider adding American Sign Language as an option for study either as an elective class or to fulfill a requirement for a foreign language.