What is American Sign Language? American Sign Language is a language that uses both hand and face expressions to communicate. While signing, the brain takes in linguistic information through the eyes. It is a visual language that is commonly used by hard of hearing and deaf people in America. 

The administration team of Alton High school decided to introduce another foreign language class for American Sign Language. Introducing a class like American Sign Language broadens the school’s foreign language class list. 

Assistant Principal of the Guidance department, Jordan Anderson is a part of the administration team that chooses classes for upcoming school years. 

“American Sign Language was a huge interest to us [team of administrators picking classes] because it could also lead to future employment as an interpreter,” Anderson said. “We’re always looking at ways we can prepare our students for what’s next after high school, and so we are able to offer American Sign Language as a language and set them[students] up right up to go into college or somewhere and get their interpreter certification.” 

Adding classes like American Sign Language prepares students to have an idea of the linguistic language before college if they decide to become an interpreter. When becoming an interpreter you could interpret in many different places.

“We’re going to be able to build on adding American Sign Language one, two, three, four, so that hopefully we get to a place where  I speak to Lewis and Clark and potentially get to where students could have dual credit opportunities once we are able to expand that through enough years.” Anderson said

Adding American Sign Language gives students an opportunity to go into future fields where American Sign Language is being used. Interpreters must have a high level of fluency in two or more languages and an ability to focus on what is being said. 

Being an interpreter means you could work in various places like concerts, in schools and court rooms.

Adding a class like this to Alton High school promotes inclusivity and cultural awareness. This new opportunity not only provides students with the opportunity to learn a valuable communication skill but also fosters a more inclusive environment for people who are deaf and hard of hearing.  Students can sign up for American Sign Language when it is time for them to pick classes in Guidance.