When does the bilingual-bicultural education model recommend Deaf students begin learning English as a second language?

When does the bilingual-bicultural education model recommend Deaf students begin learning English as a second language?

• A. at a young age
• B. in high school
• C. after college
• D. never

Answer: (A)

Starting early is central to this approach: Deaf students are encouraged to develop English as a second language from a young age while continuing to use ASL as their primary language. Early exposure to English supports literacy development in English—reading, writing, and academic learning—without sacrificing access through ASL or Deaf culture. Delaying English until high school or college creates gaps in literacy and classroom understanding, and never pursuing English contradicts typical educational goals. So the recommended path is to begin at a young age.

Starting early is central to this approach: Deaf students are encouraged to develop English as a second language from a young age while continuing to use ASL as their primary language. Early exposure to English supports literacy development in English—reading, writing, and academic learning—without sacrificing access through ASL or Deaf culture. Delaying English until high school or college creates gaps in literacy and classroom understanding, and never pursuing English contradicts typical educational goals. So the recommended path is to begin at a young age.