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2018 SESSION

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VIRGINIA ACTS OF ASSEMBLY -- CHAPTER An Act to amend and reenact § 22.1-207.5 of the Code of Virginia, relating to instruction in American Sign Language; academic credit; foreign language requirements. [H 84] Approved

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 22.1-207.5 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 22.1-207.5. Instruction in American Sign Language.

A. As used in this section, "American Sign Language" means the natural language recognized globally that is used by members of the deaf community and that is linguistically complete with unique rules for language structure and use that include phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and discourse.

B. If a local school boards offer board offers one or more elective courses in American Sign Language, such school boards board shall (i) grant academic credit for successful completion of an American Sign Language course on the same basis as the successful completion of a foreign language course; and (ii) count completion of an American Sign Language course toward the fulfillment of any foreign language requirement for graduation.

C. If a local school board does not offer any elective course in American Sign Language, such school board shall (i) grant academic credit for successful completion of an American Sign Language course offered by a comprehensive community college or a multidivision online provider approved by the Board on the same basis as the successful completion of a foreign language course and (ii) count completion of any such American Sign Language course toward the fulfillment of any foreign language requirement for graduation.