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Province to become one of the first in Canada to provide these second-language opportunities

Ontario is becoming one of the first jurisdictions in Canada to offer high school students in the province second-language courses in American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des signes quebecoise (LSQ).

Details were provided today by Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education and Raymond Cho, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility.

“By expanding second-language course options for students, our Government is cementing its role as a leader in providing innovative learning opportunities. By offering students the chance to learn ASL or LSQ, they can expand their language skills while developing greater understanding of Ontario’s ASL and LSQ culture.”

Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education

Starting in September 2021, high schools may offer American Sign Language as a second language and Langue des signes québécoise langue seconde to provide students with the opportunity to develop new language and conversation skills, gain cultural understandings, and learn about ASL or LSQ literary works and texts.

ASL and LSQ are distinct languages, each with unique histories, cultural references and distinct grammar and syntax. To ensure linguistic accuracy, and to include authentic ASL and LSQ stories, the Ministry of Education consulted with the ASL and LSQ communities on the course content.

“By giving high school students the opportunity to learn ASL and/or LSQ, we are increasing language and cultural skills,” said Raymond Cho, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility.

QUICK FACTS

• Ontario is the first jurisdiction in Canada to release ministry-developed LSQ curriculum to support second-language learners, and one of the first to release ministry-developed ASL second-language curriculum.
• To support teachers in delivering the new ASL as a Second Language and LSQ langue seconde courses, the Ministry of Education has been working with the Ontario College of Teachers to add new additional qualifications to the College’s regulations so that teachers can receive training in how to teach ASL as a second language and LSQ langue seconde.
• The Ministry of Education launched the Curriculum and Resources in June 2020, which provides access to curricula and resources for educators and parents, including the new ASL and LSQ second-language courses.