HI SR16

Request that the Department of Education establish American Sign Language courses in at least one high school per complex area.

Note that American Sign Language enrollment in public high schools grew 1,248 percent from 1992 to 2004 and is now the fourth most studied language in America.

Highlight benefits for students with deaf family members to acquire sign language skills in an educational setting and improve family communication.

Require the Department of Education to submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2016 regular session on the status of establishing American Sign Language instruction.

Direct transmission of certified copies to the Chairperson of the Board of Education and Superintendent of Education.