Sanders
First Name
Cynthia
Last Name
Sanders
Department
American Sign Language and Interpreting Education
Scholarship Year
2025
Research Center
Non-Center Based
Scholarship Type
Published Conference Proceedings
Contributors List
Cynthia Sanders, None
Project Title
Curriculum-Based American Sign Language - Language Proficiency Assessment
Start Date - Month
August
Start Date - Year
2024
End Date Anticipated - Month
August
End Date Anticipated - Year
2025
End Date Actual - Month
August
End Date Actual - Year
2025
Review Types
Invited Paper
Student Assistance
None
Funding Source
Other - Start Up Project
Resulting Product
Presentation and journal paper
Citation

Sanders, Cynthia. "Curriculum-Based American Sign Language - Language Proficiency Assessment." Proceedings of the ASLTA 13th Biennial National Professional Development Conference. Ed. None. Washington DC, USA: n.p., Web. ∆

Abstract

This study proposes an integrative approach to the development of a standardized American Sign Language – Language Proficiency Assessment (ASL-LPA) by synthesizing four widely used ASL curricula from high schools and colleges/universities in the United States. A detailed comparative analysis was conducted to identify and consolidate shared lexical and grammatical features, which were organized into a centralized database. At this initial stage, the primary focus is on core vocabulary and key grammatical structures, which serve as the foundational categories for building the assessment. Additional grammatical features have been identified but are currently placed on hold for future integration, allowing for a phased development process. This focused approach supports the creation of a scalable and reliable ASL proficiency tool, with implications for curriculum alignment, instructional planning, and standardized assessment practices in Deaf education and interpreter training programs.

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