This article reflects on the efficacy debates for the instructional use of natural sign language with deaf students, in particular American Sign Language (ASL) versus systems of Manually Coded English (MCE). It responds to an earlier review article and urges greater tolerance of opposing views, respect for family choice in the matter, and better…

Describes the American Sign Language Intensive Program offered at the Manitoba School for the Deaf twice each summer, which is based on input from program staff, daily evaluations of participants over six years, and direct observation and experience of the author as participant. A key feature is program control by deaf individuals and participant…

Bilingual/bicultural (Bi/Bi) programs for children who are deaf are usually delivered via either transitional or maintenance models. Transitional models use the native language to teach a second language, whereas maintenance models teach and use both languages throughout the school day. There is a need for research into the effectiveness of BiBi…

First reviews the literature on bilingual/bicultural education for deaf students (DBiBi education). DBiBi education recognizes American Sign Language and English as distinct languages and deaf and hearing cultures as distinguishable sociocultural groups. It then describes environmental and pedagogical aspects that characterize DBiBi education as…

A study involving three elementary students attending a bilingual-bicultural program for students with deafness found that successful strategies, such as using American Sign Language as the language of instruction, balancing direct and indirect teaching, making translation conceptual rather than literal, and using multimodal information,…

Three adults with deafness who were raised in oral English settings and denied access to sign language chose to learn sign language as adults. Although they valued their ability to converse in English, they found the lack of spontaneity in communication left them isolated in school and family interactions. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

A statewide survey of 64 public school teachers of deaf students found that, consistent with earlier research, teachers had inadequate knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) and the role that the deaf community plays in the education of deaf children. Recommendations for preservice/inservice teacher training in ASL and current issues, such as…