Ocean City Schools Recognized For American Sign Language Program

OCEAN CITY, NJ — The Ocean City Public School District is one of four school districts in the state that has been recognized for a world language program, the New Jersey Department of Education announced on Tuesday.

The district was recognized for its American Sign Language program. The program was started by Amy Andersen, the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year and finalist for the National Teacher of the Year award this year.

• West Morris Regional High School District (9-12 World Languages Program);
• West Windsor-Plainsboro (K-12 World Languages Program); and
• Egg Harbor Township (Hispañohablantes/Heritage Speaker Program).

They were among 11 total districts that were recognized for outstanding second language programs. All the districts, which were honored at a ceremony in Trenton, will serve as models of best practices in world language, dual language, bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs.

The New Jersey Department of Education developed criteria and reviewed applications to designate the 11 exemplary second language programs. They used an extensive program review, and state officials, college professors, and world language and bilingual/ESL program supervisors went on site to determine the 11 schools that would be honored.

“Second language studies are integral to scholastic achievement and student success. New languages open minds and hearts to diversity in cultures, races, religions and social interaction,” Education Commissioner Lamont O. Repollet said. “This kind of motivational and global instruction is key to challenging and channeling student learning.”

Exemplary second language programs are recognized every two years. That is how long the 11 districts that were recently honored will serve as resource centers for the other districts. During that time, educators can visit the schools to observe exemplary practices in second language teaching, learning and assessment in the classroom.

Administrators and teachers also will be able to discuss issues of mutual concern with staff from the centers, as well as have the potential for collaboration on their second language programs.

• Atlantic City High School Newcomer Center;
• Howell Township ESL Program Grades K-8;
• Linden ESL Program grades K-12;
• Franklin Township (Somerset County) Bilingual Program grades K-4, ESL Program Grades K-4 and 9-12;
• Passaic City Bilingual Program Grades K-8; and
• Vineland Bilingual Program Grades K-5 and 9-12, ESL Program Grades K-5, 9-12.

Andersen, of Cape May Court House, launched the American Sign Language program in Ocean City with about 40 students back in 2004. The following year, more than 130 students had signed up as interest in careers teaching the deaf grew.

Community oriented activities, such as ASL socials at local coffee shops and evening performances that raise funds for scholarships immerse students in deaf and hard of hearing culture helping them to build confidence.

In the past three years alone, more than 85 percent of her students have achieved the New Jersey Seal of Biliteracy, which denotes a student's fluency in sign language, according to the State Board of Education. Her program has inspired a number of students to pursue American Sign Language-related careers.

Patch file photo