Connecticut Senate Bill SB00665

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23

Caption

An Act Concerning The Instruction Of American Sign Language In School In Connecticut.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly impact the state's educational statutes by ensuring that ASL becomes an integral part of the curriculum in schools across Connecticut. The bill seeks to utilize available federal, state, and local funding to support this initiative, hence promoting resource allocation towards inclusive educational practices. The introduction of ASL into school programs is expected to broaden the linguistic capabilities of students and foster a greater understanding of and respect for deaf culture and communication barriers.

Summary

SB00665 aims to enhance the educational landscape in Connecticut by mandating the instruction of American Sign Language (ASL) in schools. This bill calls for local and regional boards of education to incorporate ASL courses into their curriculum and to reflect this inclusion in their course handbooks. The primary goal is to facilitate greater accessibility and inclusivity within the education system, enabling students to learn a language that is vital for communication with the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.

Contention

While the bill serves vital purposes, there may be points of contention concerning the allocation of resources and the integration of ASL into existing curricula. Opponents might argue that implementing such programs could divert funds from other essential educational needs or face resistance from schools that are not prepared to accommodate additional language courses. Discussions around teacher training, material availability, and overall support for ASL instruction are likely to be key considerations as the bill progresses through legislative scrutiny.