American Sign Language Expressive Skills Test (ASL-EST) Training

Please note: Registration is not yet open. It will open in February 2026.

Join us for a two-day virtual training on the American Sign Language Expressive Skills Test (ASL-EST) offered by Northern Signs Research. The training will incorporate a combination of pre-recorded presentations, online learning, and practice sessions to cover the following topics:

• Test Overview (American Sign Language Expressive Skills Test)
• Signed Language Acquisition
• ASL Grammar
• Narrative Development
• Test Administration and Scoring Procedures
• Completion of all components of this training meets certification requirements for use of the ASL-EST. 

The ASL-EST is a Language Equality and Acquisition for Deaf Kids (LEAD-K) Michigan recommended assessment. This training will include all ASL-EST assessment materials. Materials will be mailed to participants ahead of the training.

Audience

This workshop is for Michigan school personnel who work with children who are deaf or hard of hearing, are ages 5 and younger, and use American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate.

Workshop Requirements

All workshop participants must be fluent in ASL, as all presentations and practice sessions are delivered in ASL (no interpreter will be provided).

In advance of the workshop, participants are required to view a series of prerecorded videos totaling 130 minutes. Following the workshop, participants are required to complete and submit a full ASL-EST analysis of a video-recorded child’s narrative. Submissions will be evaluated and must be completed accurately to meet certification requirements for ongoing use of the ASL Expressive Skills Test.

Online Event Expectations

This live webinar will be held via Zoom. Participants do not need to have a Zoom account to participate in the webinar, although you might be prompted to download a plugin when joining. Please review Zoom Tips and Shortcuts for Participants [PDF] before the event.

Participants are expected to be respectful and courteous to others during this event. MDE RDHH reserves the right to mute, turn off video, and/or remove participants who do not adhere to this expectation.

Accessibility Accommodations