Why ASL?

I can't remember if anyone has posted this video yet. It's from a Bi/Bi perspective. I've worked with individuals in a Bi/Bi setting, as well as others. I have to agree 100% that giving children a "natural" language early on sets them up for success down the road. Someone brought up tonight that after 6th grade the success rate of a child that can't read or write well declines significantly. I've also found that true. But what I've found is that with dedicated work and extra time working with a student they can catch up. I've experienced it first hand. I had a VERY low language child come into a Deaf school, and worked with them endlessly. After seeing the child again last week not only has their communication improved significantly but they have also improved academically and socially. I've also see Bi/Bi work with children with cochlear implants.. again after giving them a strong foundation in ASL, not only did their grades improve, but self esteem  communication both verbal and sign, and socially.

 A sad statistic is that most Deaf individuals with out a strong foundation in language, they grow up to only be able to read at a 3rd grade level the rest of their lives. The kids I worked with began lower than that.. but with tutoring every day and after school, their reading, writing and English abilities jumped to grade level or just below.. Some surpassed grade level.

While I understand not every institute or mainstream school has access to additional assistance with programs like the one the institute I worked at was able to receive, I still think it's important to give a Deaf/deaf child a strong linguistic foundation early on.