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ASL Immersion
The ISDB residential school offers an intensive ASL Immersion program for students who have been identified by demonstrating compromised communication skills inside and outside of the classroom. Presently two class periods each day are devoted to providing ASL classes. Nine students are currently enrolled: 4 high school - 5 middle school. The classes are co-taught by Betsy Holt, M.Ed, certified teacher of the deaf, and Heather Fultz, M.S., certified teacher of the deaf and nationally certified in sign language interpreter.
Our ASL classes are conversationally based with concept development being a major focus in both. A great deal of time is focused on determining abstract concepts that the  students do not understood. When a concept is identified, the teachers go to great lengths to demonstrate and explain its meaning. ASL vocabulary is identified and taught. In both classes, students are encouraged to communicate in any way possible which in turn builds their confidence and self worth. The teachers model the importance of sharing information with each other and asking for clarification until comprehension occurs. Conversation skills such as turn taking, maintaining eye contact with the speaker, visually following a conversation, signing clearly, asking for clarification, and maintaining topic are always emphasized and practiced on a daily basis. Facial expressions are also emphasized and practiced as are the use of non-manual morphemes. Each class is a unique community where support and mutual understanding are fostered. All of the students have unique needs and strengths and the teachers work to instill value and success in each student.
Who is considered for the program?
If your child or student is attending public school and is falling behind academically and/or socially, is having great difficulty communicating with and understanding others, and is interested in learning to use ASL as his mode of communication, please inquire with ISDB.
What growth is being seen?
Enormous growths in social-emotional and language development arenas are being noted. Students who were previously non-communicative and withdrawn are developing relationships with others and performing better in the classroom and with adults and peers. Students are gaining confidence and are transferring skills learned in ASL to the rest of their lives at school and at home.
What language gains are being noted?
The most notable changes are those involving comprehension. By being presented with concepts slowly and effectively, the students begin to understand their worlds, many times for the first time, and are making connections and filling in gaps. All students are experiencing greater success with communication and are feeling greater self-worth overall.
The ISDB offers communication assessments for deaf and hard of hearing children who reside in the state of Idaho, regardless of their communication modality. This link will provide more information on the assessment.
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