FY 2008 Annual Report of Achievements - Gallaudet University

A-98
Clerc Center National Mission Projects
ASL/English Bilingual Professional Development
National mission priority area: Literacy
Principal Investigator(s):
Jeffries, Richard
Other Investigator(s):
Rangel, Francisca
Scott, Susanne
Project description
The purpose of this multi-year initiative is to provide a bilingual staff Development model
that promotes effective instruction of language and literacy for deaf and hard of hearing students by
(a) promoting the acquisition and development of both American Sign Language (ASL) and English
for students, staff, and parents, (b) supporting staff in the effective use of these languages in their
educational settings, (c) educating parents about literacy and language development using both ASL
and English, and (d) developing appropriate instructional designs that integrate innovative
technology.
ASL/English Bilingual Professional Development (AEBPD) is a collaboration between the
Center for ASL/English Bilingual Education and Research (CAEBER) at Gallaudet University and
the following five teacher training programs: Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C.; California
State University, Northridge; Lamar University, Beaumont, Tex.; University of Oklahoma, Tulsa;
and Western Oregon University, Monmouth.
Development
Prior years. Beginning in FY 2003, AEBPD was offered at the Clerc Center during the fall
and spring semesters for three graduate credits each, and it addressed the following topics: current
research in bilingual and ESL (English as a Second Language) education, culture, the bilingual child,
first and second language acquisition and learning, and language use. In fall 2006, participants began
receiving a continuing education unit instead of graduate credits.
The participants reflected on the concepts of bilingualism as well as on their own bilingual
experiences. They applied their reflections and learning through seminar discussions, readings,
reflective writings, online group activities, and assignments designed for the creation of classrooms
for deaf children. The discussion during seminars centered on practical language-teaching
applications and on the strategic uses of ASL and English, including how to integrate signing,
reading, and writing lessons across curriculum content.
FY 2008 activities and/or product(s).
• A new group of teachers and staff took the AEBPD Level Three and Four In-service
Training in fall 2007 and spring 2008, which was conducted by two new Clerc Center
mentors.
• The AEBPD principal investigator, in collaboration with Gallaudet University faculty and
CAEBER staff, supported Clerc Center teachers and staff in the creation of related action
research projects. Consultation and planning support were also provided, as KDES and
MSSD teachers and staff worked to implement ASL/English bilingual education strategies
as part of Accreditation for Growth, the school accreditation process.