‘25
In today’s diverse and inclusive world, the ability to communicate effectively is crucial. While spoken languages are vital for communication, there exists an equally rich and expressive form of communication: sign language. Naturally, integrating American Sign Language, or ASL, into the Indian Hills High School curriculum would be a step closer to inclusion.
One of the benefits of introducing sign language at Indian Hills would be to promote inclusivity. “[…] would be interested in learning ASL because it’s a language that doesn’t have to deal with pronunciation and seems simpler than verbal languages. I also think that it should be universal to learn ASL so people with hearing disabilities can have the ability to communicate with more people.”
Mrs. McGavin, the district world language supervisor, explains that to offer ASL, “[…] there are a few things I look at: interest and enrollment; they are two different things, and I have to look district-wide, not just at Indian Hills, and sustainability; are we able to offer it for more than two years? I’m looking at the long haul. I have to look at a lot of different factors. The biggest challenges, or the greatest challenge, would be staffing and finding a certificated teacher.” To offer sign language as a language class at Indian Hills, a specified number of students would need to demonstrate interest. The reason for sign language never being offered before was tied to its, “[…] lack of interest, and I do see other schools around the state struggle to staff the program. While it hasn’t hindered us before, we would really have to research; very few teachers in ED programs are studying ASL,” Mrs. McGavin adds.
If interest is demonstrated, then staffing would need to be found. Once staffing is found, Mrs. McGavin predicts that the course will be potentially implemented in the fall of 2026. Anna Tompetrini, a current sophomore, shares that she, “[…] would be interested in learning ASL because I think it is an interesting language and I think that not enough people are learning it.”
Kate Giletta, adds how she wishes that “[…] we had more variety. I think adding ASL would allow students a greater range of language options in high school. Also, a lot of universities offer ASL, so I think having the opportunity to learn it in high school can be a step forward when you take it in college.”
Incorporating sign language into the Indian Hills curriculum is a step towards building a more inclusive and understanding society. With many Braves currently interested in the idea, adding ASL would enhance communication skills and further enrich Indian Hills students culturally, cognitively, and socially. Naturally, offering ASL as a high school course is a meaningful and impactful way to ensure that students are able to communicate and connect with the community around them.
