ASL EDUCATION
SPRING 2026
amer ican sign language is an essential life skill BEGIN READING BELOW
Also Inside: Foreign Language, Buddy Systems & School Mascots STARTING ON PAGE 2
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by Susan Shultz
W
hile foreign language departments continue to thrive in the CT school systems, another important language is growing in popularity as well.
In November, the Task Force on Enhancement of American Sign Language as a World Language Option released its findings and recommendations. This Task Force reported that ASL is the sixth most commonly used language in the United States, and “one of the only three world languages with growing higher-education enrollment. “In Connecticut, 1,676 students across 58 school districts are currently enrolled in ASL courses, yet access remains uneven and limited largely to introductory levels. The state faces a severe workforce shortage, with only 74 resident certified interpreters and just 3 ASLTA-certified ASL teachers statewide,” the report noted. As a result of its research, the Task Force recommended the creation of a three-year ASL Education Innovative Grant Program starting in 2027. This grant program would expand course offering in
high school, would establish a teacher recruitment program, training and stipend incentives, and more. The report also recommended establishing statewide ASL teacher certification standards as well as creating alternative certification routes for native ASL users, expanding partnerships with state colleges, and more. In response to these recommendations, the state legislature is currently discussing a raised bill change that would establish the creation of an ASL education working group as of Jan. 1, 2027. This working group would be responsible for recommendations to the Department of Education regarding ASL curriculum guidance, ASL teacher certification standards, establishing a proficiency benchmark, and more. This amendment would also require the Department of Education to provide an annual progress report to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly on these objectives. “An Act Establishing An American Sign Language Education Innovative Grant Program And Strengthening Asl Teacher Certification And Workforce Pathways” is currently being discussed as part of this CT legislative session.
ASL CONTINUES ON PAGE 13