New Jersey Schools Implement Virtual ASL Courses
MERCER COUNTY, N.J. (PRWEB) July 23, 2018 -- Mercer County, NJ: Proximity Learning Inc. (PLI) and Hamilton Township school district proudly announce a partnership to implement a virtual k-12 American Sign Language (ASL) program in Hamilton Township’s classrooms. Like PLI, Hamilton Township is committed to “a vision to see students become caring, productive citizens of the world community.” PLI’s progressive online instruction is able to meet the needs of all students by streaming certified teachers directly into classrooms across the country when a district can’t find and hire a teacher locally. PLI is recognized for improving individual student outcomes and success, boasting a 93% course pass rate.
Hamilton Township wanted ASL to be offered in all fourth and fifth grade classes, but realized they were not able to find and hire all the teachers required in every elementary school. Faced with teacher shortages and difficulty locating qualified educators, Hamilton Township explored non-traditional education avenues. The district heard about PLI’s virtual live instruction teachers by word of mouth. Initially they thought PLI was a good fit, but were hesitant given their unique request. They sought teacher instruction in ASL for over 90 classrooms and were pleased to learn about PLI’s ability to customize their program to the schools schedule. PLI had the ability to fit into each of Hamilton Townships elementary schools daily bell schedule and by streaming a teacher live into the class to lead instruction.
Hamilton Township is now offering ASL in all fourth and fifth grade classes in 17 elementary schools.
PLI offers over 38 nationally accredited instructional options, ranging from S.T.E.M computer programming to world languages. During Hamilton Township’s first year working with PLI, the district had only their fourth and fifth grade students meeting with virtual teachers. By the second year, Hamilton Township increased the program to include third grade students. The district has also worked with PLI to offer a structured ASL curriculum for grades k-5 in the hopes of using ASL curriculum to aid students in their academic progress outside of “live” sessions.
“We are thrilled that elementary world language is a priority here,” Evan Erdberg, CEO of PLI said. “When students start learning a world language at a young age it helps them not only learn it faster but helps increase there analytical capabilities as well.”
Hamilton Township feels PLI is able to connect with students and help them engage in positive participation and performance. The district has also worked with PLI to be able to provide language material for all grades in order for students to become proficient in a new language from an early age.
Shelly Smith, Proximity Learning, http://www.proxlearn.com, 800-524-8570, [email protected]
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