This guide helps leaders assess how intentionally ASL and English are used across the school and plan the moves that strengthen it. It sorts practice into four levels, from emerging to exemplary, across areas like language planning, balanced use of both languages, staff modeling, embedded supports, progress monitoring, and bilingual teaching strategies. Each level offers concrete recommendations and a leadership move for your next step. Use it to find where your program stands and build consistent, intentional bilingual practice that gives every student full access.
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A tip sheet staff use as a quick reference for what intentional, planned ASL and English use looks like across every classroom, dorm, and shared space in a ASL/English bilingual program.
A reading list educators can use to ground language-use planning in evidence on ASL/English Bilingualism, the critical period for language, and how deaf and hard of hearing students learn.
A checklist teachers use while planning and reflecting to make sure ASL and English are used deliberately, accessibly, and in response to every student's needs.