Sitting down in the Performing Arts Center each year for Huntley students always looks the same. Students choose their math, english, or science class; an easy decision for most.
When it comes time to pick an elective or potential world language elective, students leave with one question: there is Chinese, Spanish, and French, but why not American Sign Language (ASL)?
“You can’t simply wake up one day and be in a place that only speaks Spanish or French,” teacher Amanda Peldiak said. “But you do have the real possibility of waking up one day and being deaf.”
Being often misunderstood, ASL is a language that cannot be directly translated to english, therefore would make a great choice to be offered as an elective. Taking into consideration that only less than 1% of the world has knowledge of sign language, students recognize their interest in learning something unique.
“The main considerations have been finding qualified staff and making sure there is enough student interest to support a full class,” principal Marcus Belin said, “Right now, it’s something that has been explored, but not yet finalized as a formal plan.”
Upon all, ASL is the most requested future class for Huntley High School. Surrounding schools in the Fox Valley Conference offer the class taken as a world language. With even seniors hoping for it, the district has considered this class.
“I think it may be more beneficial because you can’t simply Google Translate ASL like other languages,” senior Lola Terranova said. “Being able to communicate with someone who uses ASL is a better outlook for our community.”
Like the other language offerings, students remain interested in taking these classes. Expanding HHS’ elective options with ASL promotes the willingness of students and acknowledges diversity.
“It would be far more considerate and inclusive and people can teach other ASL,” junior Leah Stech said. “If people become more aware of it, it will become more normalized.”
