584-066-0030 American Sign Language (ASL) Specialization: Competency Standards (New Rule)

Summary of Proposed Action: Proposes standards for American Sign Language Specialization.

Background: At the November 2014 Commission meeting, the vote to adopt the American Sign Language as a specialization was postponed. The Commission wanted to allow for more time to determine if American Sign Language should be a specialization or an endorsement. The current proposed rule is written as a specialization. If the Commission chooses to change ASL to an endorsement, it can adopt temporary rules to implement these changes at the January meeting.

During the initial public comment period, the agency also received a comment that the ASL specialization should not be restricted to special education licenses, but should be treated as a world language specialization. The agency agreed with this assessment and has removed the language referring to special education from the proposed rule. Additionally, language that allows for equivalent (alternative) demonstration of competency has been added to the proposed rule.

Fiscal Impact: None

Copy of Proposed Rule

584-066-0030 (New Rule)

American Sign Language (ASL) Specialization: Competency Standards

(1) Definitions:

(a) “American Sign Language Teacher Association (ASLTA):” ASLTA is the national professional organization for American Sign Language and Deaf Studies Educators.

(b) “American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI):” The American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) is a holistic language evaluation used to determine global ASL proficiency.

(c) “Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI):” SLPI is the interview results in a language proficiency rating for educators.

(d) “American Sign Language Teachers Association Certification:” The ASLTA organization offers a certification program with three levels of certification: Provisional, Qualified and Professional.

(e) “Provisional Certification.” Provisional certified teachers have met minimum requirements in the ASLTA certification process. The teacher, certified at the Provisional level, has demonstrated proficiency in ASL, basic knowledge about ASL teaching including developing course outlines and lesson planning.

(2) The Commission may provide approval to an educator preparation program or course of study that prepares candidates for a World Language: American Sign Language specialization only if it includes:

(a) Content that will enable candidates to gain the knowledge, skills, abilities, professional dispositions, and cultural competencies to meet the competency standards set forth in this rule;

(b) Field experiences that include supervised teaching or internships in classrooms with American Sign Language learners; and

(c) Integration of principles of cultural competency and equitable practice in each competency standard through the entire American Sign Language Specialization program. 

(3) A candidates for the World Language: American Sign Language specialization will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, professional dispositions and cultural competencies necessary to promote the academic, career, and personal and social development of students participating in an American Sign Language learning environment, including:

(a) First and second language acquisition;

(b) Linguistics of American Sign Language;

(c) Aspects of the deaf culture and community;

(d) Methods of teaching American Sign Language;

(e) American Sign Language Literature; and

(f) Cultural Competency and Equity in the Classroom: Candidates must demonstrate the cultural competency and proficiencies necessary to provide equitable outcomes for all students.

(4) To be eligible to add a World Language: American Sign Language Specialization to a Commission-approved license, the applicant must:

(a) Hold an ASLTA Provisional, Qualified or Professional Certification;

(b) Complete a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Teaching American Sign Language or equivalent preparation that meets the competency standards set forth in this rule. The Executive Director will make the determination if applicant’s equivalent preparation is sufficient to meet the competency standards.

(c) Provide evidence of ASLPI rating of 3 or better; or, an SLPI rating of Advanced Plus; and

(d) Complete a Commission-approved program for American Sign Language (ASL) specialization or equivalent preparation that meets the competency standards set forth in this rule. The Executive Director will make the determination if applicant’s equivalent preparation is sufficient to meet the competency standards.

(5)(a) A World Language: American Sign Language (ASL) specialization may not be added to a provisional license;

(b)The notation of a World Language: American Sign Language specialization will appear on a license as follows: Specialization: World Language: American Sign Language;

(c) Once the specialization is noted on a license, it may only be removed at the educator’s request.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 342
Stats. Implemented: ORS 342.120 –342.430; 342.455 – 342.495; 342.553
Hist.: