SECOND REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL NO. 2092

91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES REYNOLDS AND FROELKER (Co-sponsors).

Read 1st time March 4, 2002, and 1000 copies ordered printed.

TED WEDEL, Chief Clerk

4584L.01I

AN ACT

To amend chapter 170, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to academic credits for certain language courses offered in public schools.



Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:

Section A. Chapter 170, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 170.019, to read as follows:

170.019. 1. Any state educational institution may offer one or more courses in American Sign Language (ASL). If American Sign Language is offered by a public elementary or secondary school in this state, it shall be regarded as a foreign language for purposes of receiving and granting academic credits.

2. Students enrolled in a public elementary or secondary school in this state that offers American Sign Language

courses shall receive academic credit for such courses if such school gives academic credit for courses in foreign language. Such academic credit may be earned by:

(1) Completing a course in American Sign Language with a passing grade; or

(2) Demonstrating proficiency in American Sign Language at a level of competence equal to that taught in American Sign Language courses.

3. Academic credit received pursuant to subsection 2 of this section shall be counted toward satisfaction of any foreign language requirements of the public elementary or secondary school.

4. The Missouri commission for the deaf shall provide assistance, advice, and guidance on the development, establishment, and teaching of American Sign Language courses in public elementary and secondary schools in this state when needed and requested.


Missouri House of Representatives