English Language Learner (ELL) Applications
Deaf and hard of hearing students are visual learners! CSD began developing relevant curriculum materials for deaf adults over ten years ago, keeping in mind the visual learning needs of the students. The Deaf ABE/ELL Curriculum follows the curriculum developed by the St. Paul Public School system. Teachers need to provide supplementary materials to the books suggested in the curriculum. Generally, d/hh students are all considered “ELL students” because English is a second language for most. Instruction is done in ASL and written English in a non-phonetic based manner.
Several interactive, multimedia, computer-based curricula were developed specifically for deaf adults. Students benefit from the interactive lessons while at the same time, improving their computer literacy skills.
Basic Computer Skills I & II
Students learn basic computer functions and develop skills that include understanding how to use word processing and printing; a capstone project includes writing a paper on a topic or person.
How to Use the Internet I & II
Students learn basic information about how the Internet works, how to use email, about websites, and how to research topics; a capstone project includes writing various kinds of inquiries via email.
Skills Enhancer
Contains four modules for building skills in reading, writing, math, and grammar with more ASL video descriptions.
Using Video Storytelling to Develop Language Skills
A curriculum that is appropriate for general ELL students as well. They watch a story in sign language and then must translate what they see into written English.
Accelerated Reading + Accelerated Math
Students must read books and then take reading quizzes that assess comprehension, understanding of grammar and vocabulary. The math curriculum is similar and contains many word problems for students to solve.
Further Notes: If a “hearing” guest speaker is invited to the classroom, provide an interpreter for the deaf students. If a movie or educational video is used, make sure it is captioned. Educators can make a difference by always insisting new purchases of videos must include captioned educational videos.