It is easy to mix up a language with the teaching approach built around it, but they are not the same thing. Use this comparison chart to keep them clear: on one side are languages such as American Sign Language, English, and other spoken and signed languages; on the other are the instructional approaches often paired with them, like listening and spoken language, bilingual-bimodal teaching, and balanced literacy. Seeing the two side by side helps teams talk precisely about language and method, and make bilingual decisions without confusing the language a child uses with the way that child is taught.
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A flexible checklist administrators use for quick walkthroughs and coaching talks on ASL/English bilingual instruction, differentiation, assessment, and data use.
A self-check teachers use to reflect on their ASL/English bilingual instruction, differentiation, assessment, data use, and professional growth.
A checklist teachers use to map out the school year, aligning standards, texts, language choices, and assessments so ASL/English bilingual learning builds with consistent access.