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ASL as a Language Certification Info Membership Position Papers

The American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) is a national organization of professionals involved with teaching American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies. ASLTA was originally formed as the Sign Instructors Guidance Network (SIGN) in 1975 as a Section of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). A major purpose of ASLTA is to evaluate and certify teachers of ASL. The ASLTA (through its predecessor organization, SIGN) has been certifying teachers of American Sign Language since 1976.

As with other professions, the field of teaching sign language has grown and developed tremendously since the inception of our professional organization in 1975. Procedures and standards of certification have undergone modest revisions over this period. This document represents revisions to the evaluation and certification procedures which were adopted by the Board in 1996.

This Information is intended to provide an overview of our ASLTA Evaluation and Certification System.


Goals of ASLTA Evaluation & Certification Standards and Procedures

  1. To insure that teachers possess the skills and knowledge to teach American Sign Language and the culture of the American Deaf community.
  2. To encourage and reward professional growth.
  3. To encourage participation in the ASLTA organization and professionalism among the membership.
     

Description and Overview of Certification Requirements

    1. Provisional
    2. Qualified
    3. Professional
    4. Renewal

Appendices

    1. General Procedures
    2. Evaluation Fee Schedule
    3. Flowcharts Summarizing Evaluation System