Sign Language Institute Canada – Evaluation
Evaluation Procedure for ASL Instructors
In recent years, American Sign Language (ASL) has become one of the most popular courses offered at many community colleges and adult education agencies in Canada. Deaf and hearing people including professionals have become expressed an interest in taking these courses.
Most instructors of ASL have been, and in many cases still are, teaching signs at their own pace, in their own format and without supervision. There has been confusion as to which ASL textbooks to use, how to screen students, what levels to teach and how to evaluate them and how to obtain resources and materials. Instructors are required to teach both vocabulary and communication with ASL. Students who only have vocabulary knowledge have failed to meet the expectations of the Deaf community for satisfactory and effective signers as they are unable to utilize the important linguistic features of ASL. These concerns are now being brought to the attention of the Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf by community colleges and other agencies in hopes of making a change or finding a solution.
Since ASL has become widely recognized as a language (used by Deaf people in Canada and the United States), methods of teaching ASL have changed considerably. Sign Language Institute Canada was established in 1981 to develop the national certification process for Sign Language Instructors/Teachers. SLIC helps standardizes teaching methods and materials for ASL instructors across the nation as well as provides a networking system of resources.
Purpose: Evaluation is used to assess and certify ASL instructors.
Objectives:
- Recognize quality and standard of ASL instruction
- Provide training and workshops
- Increase credibility and improve public relations
- Share information related to the profession
Certification Process:
Step 1: Initial Application
Candidates are to send their resume or curriculum vitae (CV) via e-mail to SLIC by the last Friday of January along with a payment of $220. Application package must also include letters from an organization of the Deaf and institutions confirming workshops completed or presented and teaching hours. Late applications will not be considered. If the application is denied, a refund of $220 minus a $50 application processing fee will be provided.
Step 2: Evaluation Manual
Considered candidates will receive a manual outlining the evaluation procedure March. Candidates will have approximately 5 months to prepare before completing the on-line evaluation.
Step 3: Testing
The test consists of 3 parts:
a) Structure of ASL – multiple choice test with video.
There is an $80.00 charge if the candidate wishes to re-take the test.
b) General Knowledge – questions based on required reading and video viewings.
There is an $80.00 charge if the candidate wishes to re-take the test.
c) Interview – conducted with raters via video-conferencing.
There is an $185.00 charge if the candidate wishes to re-take the test for an interview.
Step 4: Certification
Successful candidates will receive certification in having met the requirements and are qualified to teach ASL. A certificate will be granted.
Required Readings
American Sign Language – A Teacher’s Resource Text on Curriculum, Methods, and Evaluation (Dennis Cokely, Charlotte Baker-Shenk)
American Sign Language – A Teacher’s Resource Text on Grammar and Culture (Dennis Cokely, Charlotte Baker-Shenk)
Sign Naturally, Units 1-6: Teacher’s Curriculum Guide (Cheri Smith, Ella Mae Lentz, Ken Mikos)
Sign Naturally, Units 1-6: Student Workbook (Cheri Smith, Ella Mae Lentz, Ken Mikos)
Sign Naturally, Units 7-12: Teacher’s Curriculum Guide (Cheri Smith, Ella Mae Lentz, Ken Mikos)
Sign Naturally, Units 7-12: Student Workbook (Cheri Smith, Ella Mae Lentz, Ken Mikos)
Master ASL! Level 1 (Jason E. Zinza)
Learning to See: Teaching ASL as a Second Language (Sherman Wilcox)
Linguistics of ASL: An Introduction (Clayton Valli, Ceil Lucas, Kristin Mulroney, Miako Villanueva)
Introduction to American Deaf Culture (Thomas Holcomb)
Deaf Heritage in Canada: A Distinctive, Diverse and Endearing Culture (Clifton F. Carbin)
Required Viewings (DVDs)
American Sign Language – A Teacher’s Resource Text on Curriculum, Methods, and Evaluation (Denis Cokely, Charlotte Baker-Shenk)
Introduction to American Deaf Culture (MJ Bienvenu, Betty Colonomos)
Signing Naturally, Units 1-6: Teacher’s Curriculum Guide (Cheri Smith, Ella Mae Lentz, Ken Mikos)
Signing Naturally, Units 1-6: Student Workbook (Cheri Smith, Ella Mae Lentz, Ken Mikos)
Signing Naturally, Units 7-12: Teacher’s Curriculum Guide (Cheri Smith, Ella Mae Lentz, Ken Mikos)
Signing Naturally, Units 7-12: Student workbook (Cheri Smith, Ella Mae Lentz, Ken Mikos)
Linguistics of American Sign Language – 5th Edition (Clayton Valli, Ceil Lucas, Kirstin Mulroney, Miako Villanueva)
See What I Mean: Differences Between Deaf and Hearing Cultures (Thomas K. Holcomb, Anna Mindess)
The Heart of Deaf Culture (Rochester Institute of Technology)
Recommended Resources
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL) and Common European Framework Reference (CEFR) are highly recommended tools for the instructors to be familiar with. In the near future, those will be part of the requirements for the application of Sign Language Instructors of Canada Evaluation. Trainings will be announced when ready.
Application Requirements
Please read carefully. The candidate must adhere to the following:
a) Be an active member of Sign Language Institute Canada (SLIC)
b) Certified proof of ASL Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) with Level 4 rating or higher
c) Experience in teaching ASL to students for a minimum of 400 hours of documented instruction within a three-year period
d) Be an active member of a provincial cultural society OR provincial organization of the Deaf with accompanied by a letter of reference from the executive confirming applicant is good standing in a recognized program*
e) Provide a list of completed ASL or ASL-related workshops and courses** (in a recognized program or under the direction of a recognized organization of the Deaf within the past 5 years)
Download the SLICe Application Form:
For re-takes, applicants will have a maximum of 3 years to complete the evaluation.
* A recognized program of ASL instruction is affiliated with a public or private agency, an educational institution or a continuing education program with a supervisor or coordinator for ASL courses.
** Related courses pertain to ASL, language teaching principles, Deaf Culture, Deaf Studies and/or heritage, classroom management, teaching strategies, lesson planning, adult education or curriculum.
For general inquiries or questions regarding the application process:
Vincent Chauvet, SLIC Chair – slice@slicanada.ca
Resumes and curriculum vitae (CV) are to be sent to SLIC – info@slicanada.ca
Please include preferred e-mail address for correspondence and evaluation purposes.
Payment Options:
- Provide your credit card info Attn: Victoria Meusel, Administrative Assistant – info@slicanada.ca
- E-transfer to info@slicanada.ca
For SLIC membership information, please contact:
Gary Malkowski, Director – Sign Language Institute Canada – gmalkowski@slicanada.ca
Registration for SLIC Membership and payment: https://slicanada.ca/slic-membership
