HI SR25

Department of Education is requested to offer American Sign Language courses in at least one high school per complex area statewide.

American Sign Language is the third most studied language in America, with high school course offerings growing 1,248 percent from 1992 to 2004, yet only three Hawaii high schools currently offer such courses.

Students with deaf family members would benefit from American Sign Language instruction to improve communication skills with deaf relatives.

Department of Education must submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2017 Regular Session on the status of establishing American Sign Language instruction in public schools.

Fluency in American Sign Language is identified as a marketable skill for students.