Mrs. Tara Brister's ASL 2 class is an essential component of our educational curriculum, fostering both linguistic skills and cultural understanding among students. American Sign Language (ASL) is a vital mode of communication not only for the Deaf community but also for any individual that is non verbal and learning it not only benefits those pursuing careers in interpretation or special education but also those seeking a Social Work career. It also enriches the lives of students by broadening their perspectives and enhancing inclusivity within our community.

Currently, the decision to discontinue Mrs. Tara Brister's ASL 2 in the upcoming spring semester threatens to undermine these benefits. Mrs. Brister's class has not only equipped students with the necessary skills to communicate in ASL but has also instilled in them a deeper appreciation for the Deaf culture, thereby fostering a more inclusive atmosphere in our school and the broader community. Her dedication and expertise have made a significant positive impact on students, inspiring many to pursue careers where ASL is a crucial skill.

ASL skills are increasingly sought after in various professional fields, including healthcare, education, and public service, as the push for inclusive practices grows. By eliminating this class, we reduce students' competitive edge in the job market and their ability to engage respectfully and empathetically with individuals in the Deaf and non verbal communities. The loss of her class also can lead to students having to compete for a open seats in other ASL 2 classes, which may not be offered at a time or date that would work for their schedules for those students that have already made their schedules with her class in mind. These students may now have to adjust their outside schedules for the upcoming semester with their respective jobs or other classes that may conflict with the new schedule that we were not given a choice on, but instead was updated for us by the administrative team.

Moreover, the absence of Mrs. Tara Brister's ASL 2 class could deprive some of our students of the opportunity to advance their language skills beyond the basics, hindering those who have already invested time and effort into mastering the fundamentals as they may have to change the foreign language classes that they are taking. It is vital for continuity in language learning that students have the opportunity to progress to more advanced levels with the teacher that started them with the basics.

The change of teachers, when it comes to foreign language classes especially, can cause a strain on the students. Studies show that keeping the same teacher throughout the learning process for languages actually benefits the student and school with increased test scores and attendance along with lower behavioral issues.

Research on student-teacher matching in general has found that sustained relationships (through repeat student-teacher matches) can build academic and behavioral skills, suggesting that continuity is a beneficial factor. (Wedenoja, Leigh & Papay, John & Kraft, Matthew. (2022). Second Time's the Charm? How Sustained Relationships from Repeat Student-Teacher Matches Build Academic and Behavioral Skills. 10.26300/sddw-ag22. )

A study on English courses found that students were 1.95 times more likely to pass a subsequent course when they had the same instructor compared to a different one, suggesting that continuity can boost student success. (https://home.schoolcraft.edu/cce/28.1.41-54.pdf

We urge the school administration to reconsider their decision and preserve Mrs. Tara Brister's ASL 2 class, ensuring that our students continue to benefit from a diverse and inclusive education that meets their needs, allows them to excel with a instructor that already knows their learning style, and reflects the needs and values of our society. Please sign this petition to keep this invaluable educational resource in place.