ERIC Number: EJ826415
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0002-726X
EISSN: N/A
The Status of Sign Language Instruction in Institutions of Higher Education: 1994-2004
Cooper, Sheryl B.; Reisman, Joel I.; Watson, Douglas
American Annals of the Deaf, v153 n1 p78-88 Spr 2008
Surveys of sign language programs in institutions of higher education in the United States, conducted in 1994 and 2004, are compared to reveal changes over time. Data are presented concerning the institutional environment of programs, program administrators, and instructors. Institutions examined in 2004 were on average 5 years older than those examined in 1994. More institutions accepted sign language for general education and foreign language requirements. Program administrators in 2004 were more likely to have primary duties as teachers rather than administrators, and to have greater understanding of the subject matter. Faculty in 2004 had more education and teaching experience. Full-time faculty showed increases in the proportion who were Deaf and the proportion who were in tenure-track positions. Program staff size increased. Overall, evidence indicates that sign language has become more accepted as an academic discipline and that programs are more entrenched at their institutions. (Contains 1 note and 6 tables.)
Descriptors: Higher Education, Sign Language, Intellectual Disciplines, Institutional Environment, Teaching Experience, Administrators, Surveys, Comparative Analysis, Educational Change, Graduation Requirements, College Faculty, Teacher Qualifications, Tenure, Program Administration, Deafness, Institutional Characteristics, American Sign Language
Gallaudet University Press. 800 Florida Avenue NE, Denison House, Washington, DC 20002-3695. Tel: 202-651-5488; Fax: 202-651-5489; Web site: http://gupress.gallaudet.edu/annals/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A