Palisades Park School District ASL Course Expansion

This case study details the Palisades Park School District's initiative to expand its world language offerings by introducing American Sign Language (ASL) courses. Superintendent Dr. Cirillo identified the need for ASL after a student's request highlighted the importance of communication for individuals with disabilities. To address the teacher shortage in New Jersey, the district partnered with Proximity Learning, which provides live virtual teaching solutions. This partnership allowed the district to offer ASL without the need for multiple sections or a full-time teacher. The implementation of the ASL course was completed in just two weeks, significantly reducing the time typically required for faculty recruitment. The course is conducted three days a week with live instruction, and students also engage in independent study. Following the successful rollout, the district plans to expand the program to include ASL 2, reflecting the growing interest from students. The collaboration with Proximity Learning has proven to be a cost-effective solution, saving the district 66%.