SB 454 - This act allows students taking courses in American Sign Language (ASL) to receive foreign language academic credit at public schools and public higher education institutions. Credit is received when a student completes the course with a passing grade or demonstrates proficiency in the language. Academic credit earned by a student may also be used to satisfy any foreign language or language arts entrance requirements of public higher education institutions. Nothing in this act prohibits a public higher education department from establishing specific departmental language requirements for majors that cannot be met by ASL. Upon request, the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Missouri Sign Language Teachers Association will provide guidance on the development and teaching of ASL courses in the schools or institutions. ADRIANE CROUSE