                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

INSTRUCTION IN AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (§ 22.1-207.5)

A. As used in this section, &#8220;American Sign Language&#8221; 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 board offers one or more elective courses in American Sign
Language, such school 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.

HISTORY: 2011, c. 762; 2018, c. 481.