At Bunche Preparatory Academy, inclusion is more than just a word. It’s a practice enhanced by the school’s recent addition of American Sign Language (ASL) to the core curriculum, a course that both supports the students in the school's Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) program and broadens hearing students’ cultural understanding.
Students were hard at work learning new signs in ASL TeacherDelta Kimmel’s classroom recently. During class, two students who are in the DHH program joked with their hearing classmates through a mixture of their own sign language and using Kimmel as an interpreter.
ASL brought these students together with new levels of understanding in ways that were not possible only a few years ago.
Introducing ASL in the Classroom
In 2020,Lohren Nzoma, Assistant Superintendent of Exceptional Student Education, introduced and supported the implementation of an American Sign Language Immersion site at Bunche due to the need for more inclusive peer-to-peer social interaction. When school principalDr. Chalena Beasleystarted her position in May 2021, she saw first-hand that the approximately 50 students who were in the DHH program were separate from hearing students and wanted to do something about it. Thus, through parent education and ongoing stakeholder meetings, Bunche ASL Immersion was brought to fruition.
To further support inclusivity, Beasley rearranged classrooms so that all students and staff were all together.Darlene Dorsette, Supervisor of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program, former DHH teacher at Bunche, and authentic representative of the deaf community found Kimmel, who is certified to teach ASL. She mentioned to Beasley that it would be a great opportunity to have an ASL teacher. Beasley agreed and Kimmel began teaching the ASL class to all students last school year.
ASL is a visual language that uses hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to communicate. Students first learn basic signs and the ASL alphabet so that they can engage in simple conversations, such as introducing themselves, asking and answering questions, and discussing class topics.
Bunche is one of three schools (Bunche, Davison, and Detroit School of Arts) that partners with ESE to offer a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program for students with varying degrees of hearing loss. Bunche offers a total communication program, where students' primary mode of communication is ASL.
All Bunche students are required to take ASL beginning in kindergarten. Beasley said she wanted to ensure that the class is required for all students to create a more inclusive environment for everyone.
“At the very least, students and staff around this building know how to say good morning or how are you, small things with American Sign Language that really go a long way in making sure students feel included,” Beasley said.
Outside of the ASL classroom, the school supports students in the DHH program with teachers and paraprofessionals whose primary mode of communication is ASL. This is a valuable representation for these students to see adult role models who are also deaf or hard of hearing, Dorsette said.
In professional collaboration withDonna Payne, ESE Lead Administrator, Dorsette, and Beasley, the school holds various Deaf awareness activities throughout the year, including a Signing Bee, speakers, an annual Deaf Awareness event and presentations on Deaf culture. To further expose students and staff to ASL, posters showing how to sign different words are displayed throughout the building.
Whole Child Support
Beasley said offering ASL and other resources supports students who are in the DHH program honors the District’s commitment to the whole child by meeting students’ needs, raising awareness for Deaf culture, and supporting students' mental and emotional health.
“When you look at providing students with the opportunities and resources they need to meet their needs, to honor their identity, like offering American Sign Language to students who are hearing and honor that identity in students who are deaf, it definitely speaks to the whole child commitment of each student and working towards the mental health needs of students,” Beasley said. “If an environment is not inclusive, if students don’t feel valued, if they don’t feel loved, then we’re not supporting their mental health.”
ASL in the Classroom
Kimmel said teaching children a new language at a young age has numerous benefits, including setting a foundation for effective communication and global citizenship.
“Young minds are exceptionally receptive to language acquisition, making it easier for them to grasp new linguistic concepts. This early exposure to multiple languages enhances cognitive development, improves problem-solving skills, and fosters greater cultural understanding and empathy,” Kimmel said. “Moreover, speaking a second language can boost academic performance, expand future career opportunities, and promote a lifelong appreciation for linguistic and cultural diversity.”
Students Make New Friends Through ASL
Several Bunche students said before the ASL class was introduced, hearing students and students in the DHH program couldn’t communicate with each other, and so felt separated from one another. Eighth-grade studentsHusam AlnwisiandKiashja Thompson,who are in the DHH program, said since the introduction of ASL, they have been able to communicate with general education students more easily.
“We feel more involved,” Husam said.
Sah’kyia Jackson,Ikea Wilson,Beauti Hill, andJayle-r Smith, all eighth-grade hearing students, said since the introduction of ASL, they have been able to make new friends with the students in the DHH program.
“I’m happy when I talk to Kiashja and Husam,” Sah’kyia said. “They can tell me about how they’re feeling, and we can have actual conversations.”
Husam said he enjoys teaching others about ASL and DHH culture. He has the knowledge as a native speaker to help hearing students who have questions about the language or how to sign certain words or phrases.
“I feel really good about being able to teach other students. It makes me feel really good. It’s not only about language, it’s about culture too,” Husam said. “It’s really fun and enjoyable.”
Office of Exceptional Student Education
The Detroit Public Schools Community District’s Deaf & Hard of Hearing Programs provide academic instruction for students with varying degrees of hearing loss in a language-enriched auditory/oral or total communication learning environment. The program includes Pre-Kindergarten through 12th-grade categorical and outreach students.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program Locations:
Bunche (Total)
Davison Elementary-Middle (Oral)
Detroit School of Arts (Total/Oral)
If you have questions regarding the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program, contact Dorsette atdarlene.dorsette@detroitk12.org; Payne atdonna.payne@detroitk12.org; or call the Office of Exceptional Student Education at (313) 873-7740.
