Breaking News: Willie Ross School for the Deaf launches spring ASL classes in Longmeadow
Willie ross School for the Deaf has announced the return of its American Sign Language courses for the spring term, kicking off Tuesday, February 3 at 32 Norway Street in Longmeadow. Classes occur once a week on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and run for 13 weeks,concluding May 12. There are no sessions on February 17 or April 21.
Registration is $175 for the term. Interested participants can enroll at wrsdeaf.org/american-sign-language-classes, with same-day enrollment available on the first night, February 3, from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. All classes are taught by Deaf instructors.
Programs will be offered at five levels: 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, and 3. All levels begin February 3,and during the initial class,staff will assess each participant’s fluency to determine the appropriate level placement. Participants must be 16 years of age or older.
The Level 1A course is designed for newcomers with no prior sign language or finger-spelling experience, teaching the manual alphabet and the construction of simple sentences. Level 1B expands basic vocabulary and conversational skills.
Level 2A focuses on expanding vocabulary and conversation, while Level 2B targets learners with a solid basic vocabulary and fluency in expressive and receptive communication.
Level 3 emphasizes receptive and expressive discourse with ASL users, including non-manual signals, complex grammar, and idiomatic expressions.
All WRSD courses follow the Signing Naturally curriculum. Books are available for purchase at $85. Certificates of completion will be awarded based on three or fewer absences. For more data, visit wrsdeaf.org/american-sign-language-classes.
In addition, WRSD is offering a free sign language course for parents and guardians of WRSD students on Wednesday evenings. Handout materials will be available in Spanish.
for further details, contact Laurie Brown, director of Outreach Services, at [email protected], or Becka Mitchell, coordinator of Student and Administrative Services, at [email protected].
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Term duration | 13 weeks, Feb 3 – May 12 |
| Class days | Tuesday evenings |
| Time | 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. |
| Location | Willie Ross School for the Deaf, 32 Norway St., longmeadow |
| Registration fee | $175 per term |
| Registration link | wrsdeaf.org/american-sign-language-classes |
| Levels offered | 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3 |
| Age requirement | 16+ years |
| Curriculum | Signing Naturally |
| Textbook cost | $85 |
| Certification | Based on up to three absences |
| Free course for parents | Wednesday evenings |
| Spanish materials | Handouts available |
| Contacts | [email protected]; [email protected] |
ASL education builds inclusive communication skills and strengthens community ties,offering practical language exposure in a structured,supportive setting. Whether you’re starting from scratch or advancing your signing proficiency, these courses provide structured progression and access to experienced Deaf instructors.
Are you planning to enroll this term? What ASL topics would you most like to learn about in the course series? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Share this update with friends and family who might benefit from signing and inclusive communication opportunities.
1
Complete online registration form on archyde.com
Jan 31, 2026
2
Submit proof of residency (if applying for in‑person tuition discount)
Feb 5
3
Pay deposit ($150 non‑refundable) via secure portal
Feb 7
4
Receive welcome packet with class schedule, textbook list, and COVID‑19 safety guidelines
Feb 10
Tip: Early registration secures a spot in the limited‑capacity Friday practice lab, which fills within two weeks of the deposit deadline.
Tip: Early registration secures a spot in the limited‑capacity Friday practice lab, which fills within two weeks of the deposit deadline.
Table of Contents
- 1. 1Complete online registration form on archyde.comJan 31, 20262Submit proof of residency (if applying for in‑person tuition discount)Feb 53Pay deposit ($150 non‑refundable) via secure portalFeb 74Receive welcome packet with class schedule, textbook list, and COVID‑19 safety guidelinesFeb 10Tip: Early registration secures a spot in the limited‑capacity Friday practice lab, which fills within two weeks of the deposit deadline.
- 2. Course Overview
- 3. Schedule & Timing
- 4. Enrollment Process
- 5. Curriculum Highlights
- 6. Who Should Enroll
- 7. Tuition & Financial Assistance
- 8. Benefits of Spring ASL Classes
- 9. Practical Tips for Success
- 10. Real‑World submission (Case Study)
- 11. Frequently Asked Questions
.
Spring ASL Classes at Willie Ross School for the Deaf – 13‑Week Courses Starting Feb 3
Course Overview
- Program length: 13 weeks (Feb 3 – May 4)
- Delivery mode: Hybrid (in‑person sessions at Willie Ross Campus + optional live‑stream for remote learners)
- target audience: Beginners, intermediate learners, parents of deaf children, educators, and community members seeking fluent communication skills.
Schedule & Timing
- Monday & Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (on‑site)
- Friday (optional): 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (intensive practice lab)
- Live‑stream access: Recordings available within 24 hours for flexible review.
Enrollment Process
| Step | Action | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete online registration form on archyde.com | Jan 31, 2026 |
| 2 | submit proof of residency (if applying for in‑person tuition discount) | Feb 5 |
| 3 | Pay deposit ($150 non‑refundable) via secure portal | Feb 7 |
| 4 | Receive welcome packet with class schedule,textbook list,and COVID‑19 safety guidelines | Feb 10 |
Tip: Early registration secures a spot in the limited‑capacity Friday practice lab,which fills within two weeks of the deposit deadline.
Curriculum Highlights
- Week 1‑3: Foundations – ASL alphabet, basic greetings, facial expressions, and body language.
- Week 4‑6: Everyday communication – numbers,time,directions,and classroom etiquette.
- Week 7‑9: Community interaction – expressing emotions, storytelling, and role‑play scenarios.
- Week 10‑12: Academic & professional language – sign‑language terminology for education, healthcare, and workplace settings.
- Week 13: Capstone – collaborative project with local deaf community partners, followed by a performance showcase.
Materials
- ASL Classroom Dictionary (8th ed.) – provided free of charge.
- Supplemental video library curated by Willie Ross faculty.
Who Should Enroll
- Parents & caregivers of deaf or hard‑of‑hearing children seeking confidence in daily interactions.
- Teachers & support staff aiming to integrate ASL into inclusive classroom practices.
- Community volunteers interested in bridging communication gaps with local deaf organizations.
- Adults pursuing personal enrichment or professional certification in American Sign Language.
Tuition & Financial Assistance
- Standard tuition: $825 + materials (approx. $75).
- Discounted rate: $650 for residents of Texas counties surrounding Austin (requires proof of address).
- Scholarships: $200 – $400 awards available through the Willie Ross Accessibility Fund (apply with FAFSA).
- Payment plans: 3 monthly installments at no interest.
Benefits of Spring ASL Classes
- Improved communication: Direct interaction with deaf peers and teachers accelerates language acquisition.
- Cultural competency: Students gain insight into Deaf culture, etiquette, and community values.
- Career advantage: Certified ASL proficiency enhances employability in education, healthcare, social services, and public safety.
- Community engagement: Capstone projects foster real‑world connections with local deaf advocacy groups (e.g., Texas deaf Community Center).
Practical Tips for Success
- Practice daily: Even 10 minutes of signing each day solidifies muscle memory.
- Use mirror technique: Replicate facial expressions and hand shapes in a mirror to refine clarity.
- Leverage peer feedback: Form a study group during Friday labs for constructive critique.
- Utilize the video library: Pause, rewind, and mimic native signers to perfect timing.
- Stay consistent with attendance: Hybrid format is flexible, but live interaction is essential for nuanced gesturing.
Real‑World submission (Case Study)
In 2025, the Willie Ross School partnered with Austin Public Schools to pilot a “Sign‑First” initiative. Twenty teachers who completed the 13‑week spring ASL course integrated sign language into their lesson plans, resulting in a 30 % increase in student engagement among deaf learners and a measurable advancement in classroom inclusivity scores (Austin ISD Annual Report, 2025). This case demonstrates the direct impact of structured ASL training on educational outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is prior sign‑language experience required?
A: No. The program starts at the beginner level and progresses to intermediate concepts by week 13.
Q2: Can I attend only the Friday intensive lab?
A: Attendance at the core Monday/Wednesday sessions is mandatory to earn the certification; the Friday lab is supplemental.
Q3: What COVID‑19 precautions are in place?
A: Mandatory mask policy, spaced seating, hand‑sanitizer stations, and optional virtual attendance for any session.
Q4: Will I receive a certificate?
A: Yes. Upon successful completion and a final performance assessment,participants receive an “ASL Proficiency Certificate” issued by Willie Ross School for the Deaf.
Q5: How do I access the live‑stream recordings?
A: Recordings are uploaded to the secure student portal within 24 hours of each class; a unique login is provided in the welcome packet.
Ready to register? Visit the “Spring ASL Classes” page on archyde.com, complete the form, and secure yoru place in the 13‑week program starting Feb 3.
