Development of the TASC–ASL

Staff from the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Services for the Deaf worked closely with experts in the field teaching American Sign Language as a foreign language to develop the TASC–ASL. Many Texas educators teaching American Sign Language as a foreign language, as well as individuals from the Deaf community, participated and provided input during this project through advisory groups and other activities.

The primary content and equity committee providing advice and leadership to the initial exam development effort for the TASC–ASL was composed of classroom teachers of American Sign Language being taught as a foreign language and representatives from universities that prepare teachers in this field.

A pilot of the TASC–ASL was completed during early spring in 1997. The primary content and equity committee met in late spring 1997 to review the responses to the pilot test and to determine the level of signed communication proficiency necessary to teach students who are taking American Sign Language as a foreign language in Texas public schools. This process resulted in a recommendation to SBEC of passing standards for the TASC–ASL. SBEC adopted the passing standards for the TASC–ASL based upon the committee's recommendations in the fall of 1997.

In 2008, members of the original committee along with representatives from public school teachers of American Sign Language as a foreign language, Regional Day School programs, the Texas School for the Deaf, and TEA again reviewed and accepted the passing standards for the TASC–ASL. The current testing structure was also reviewed and approved to remain in place.