Idaho Educational Interpreter Act Overview
Idaho Educational Interpreter Act was enacted in 2006 to improve interpreting services in public schools for students who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind. The act defines qualifications for educational interpreters, including specific criteria for Sign Language, Oral Transliterators, and Cued Language Transliterators. It also introduces emergency authorization for interpreters new to Idaho schools. The statute emphasizes the importance of interpreter competency for student academic achievements.
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IDAHO EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETER ACT Presentation created and presented by: Joelynne Ball, State Interpreter Education Coordinator and Sierra McIver, Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Title 33, Chapter 13 enacted on July 1, 2006, and implemented on July 1, 2009 Complete Statute can be found at: https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title33/T33CH13/
EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETER ACT STATUTE SECTIONS 1301 Short title 1302 Legislative findings 1303 Definitions 1304 Qualification of educational interpreters
EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETER ACT STATUTE SECTIONS 1301 Short title Cited as the Idaho Educational Interpreter Act 1302 Legislative findings Interpreting services need to be improved Absence of standards allows for inconsistencies Student success: correlation between academic achievements and competency of the educational interpreter
EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETER ACT STATUTE SECTIONS 1303 Definitions Educational Interpreter: a person employed in the Idaho public schools, kindergarten through grade twelve (12), to provide interpreting services to students who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind. Interpreting: means the process of providing accessible communication between and among persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind, and those who are hearing. The process includes, but is not limited to, communication between American sign language or other form of manual communication and English. The process may also involve various other modalities that involve visual, gestural and tactile methods.
EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETER ACT STATUTE SECTIONS 1304 Qualifications of educational interpreters Sign Language: EIPA (Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment) score of 3.5 or higher. It is based on a Likert scale 1-5 RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf) National Certification NAD (National Association of the Deaf) Level 3 or higher no longer a testing body. Combined with RID in 2004 Oral Transliterators: RID Certification for oral transliterators Cued Language Transliterators: TECUnit (testing, evaluation and certification unit for cued language transliterators
EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETER ACT STATUTE SECTIONS: 1304 CONTINUED Emergency Authorization EI s who have never worked in an Idaho Public School 2-year emergency authorization. Application Process Paper application with Pre-Hire screening results Presented to Bureau Board of IESDB by Interpreter Education Coordinator for approval
EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETER ACT STATUTE SECTIONS: 1304 CONTINUED Interpreter Education Program graduates One year from date of graduation to meet EI Act Continued Education Requirements 80 hours in the areas of interpreting/transliterating every five years
EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETER ACT Frequently asked questions: Can I just change the job title if the employee does not meet the minimum standard? No. The definition of interpreting in the Statute covers this. Is it appropriate for the educational interpreter to tutor? In certain circumstances and if the interpreter is qualified to tutor, it can be appropriate. It must not interfere with interpreting duties and provided under the guidance of a certified teacher. Can I leave the educational interpreter in charge of my class while I need to be elsewhere? No. This makes staying in the role of an interpreter nearly impossible.
EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETER ACT Frequently asked questions: continued Does the educational interpreter need to be a part of the IEP process and meeting? Yes. The interpreter may have valuable information regarding language and comprehension, concerns and/or strengths. Assist with writing goals specific to the students use of an educational interpreter.
EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETER ACT Questions? Contact Information: Joelynne Ball 3071 E. Franklin Rd., Suite 212 Meridian, ID 83642 208.901.1308 joelynne.ball@iesdb.org
SPEECH AND HEARING SERVICES PRACTICE ACT TITLE 54, CHAPTER 29 IMPLEMENTED JULY 1, 2018 Sierra McIver Communications and Outreach Coordinator Full statute can be found at: https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title54/T54CH29/
WHY THE LAW? Deaf people are at a distinct disadvantage with incomplete, incorrect, and unethically-delivered information Anyone in Idaho can advertise as an interpreter with no personal repercussions / serious repercussions for Deaf
THE DECLARATION OF POLICY Quality control measure to ensure that Deaf and hearing consumers receive appropriate interpreting services Reduce general threats to the health and safety of Deaf people statewide Ensure grievance procedures for affected parties
SUMMARY OF THE LAW Idaho Bureau of Occupational License (IBOL) will manage the operation of the board and license process Administration of the Board: Speech, Hearing and Communication Services Licensure Board 7 Members 2 SLPs, 2 Audiologists, 1 Hearing Aid Fitter, 1 Interpreter, 1 Public To apply for membership as a professional, one must have 5 years or more of experience and be currently working in the field
SUMMARY OF THE LAW Qualifications for Licensure: Application Pass a competency examination or achieved certification as defined by board rule Both written and performance test Obtained High School diploma or equivalent
SUMMARY OF THE LAW Exemptions: ITP Students work under the supervision of licensed interpreters Deaf Interpreter Certified Out-of-state Interpreters (not to exceed 30 days) Religious setting such as a church, synagogue, or other worship setting Private, non-commercial, family event Inconsequential situation: level of significance is such that a licensed interpreter would not be deemed necessary for effective communication Exigent/emergency circumstance Courts and court services
SUMMARY OF THE LAW Provisional Permit: Interpreter may apply for provisional permit under rules adopted by the board. Interpreter with provisional permit may practice only while under the supervision of a person fully licensed
SUMMARY OF THE LAW Investigations and Disciplinary Action: The board is authorized to institute any investigation, hearing, or other legal proceeding Refer violations to appropriate prosecuting attorneys
SUMMARY OF THE LAW Unlawful Practice Penalties Violation of the law shall constitute a misdemeanor Any person convicted shall be fined up to $1,000 Or imprisoned in a county jail Or both
EI ACT & SPEECH & HEARING PRACTICE ACT OVERLAP IEP meetings if no DHH adults, license not required Interpreting for DHH adults licensed interpreters Individual interpreter MUST adhere to the EI Act and/or Speech & Hearing Practice Act unless an exemption applies Any event that is an open invite a licensed interpreter is required (i.e. assemblies, school plays, etc.)
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR PARENTS? Request interpreters for community / non-school appointments, events, activities, etc. Anything that is not a school function requires licensed interpreter Interpreters are to avoid dual conflicting roles (RID Code of Professional Conduct) Cannot interpret for children unless an exemption applies
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR PARENTS? Community impact Unforeseen impact setting an incorrect precedence Businesses and organizations become used to getting requests for children and adults Community awareness Children deserve better Community becomes aware of license requirements You model advocacy for children / they see advocacy in action Children become active participants in their services Increases incidental learning opportunities
FOOD FOR THOUGHT Having an EIPA score of 3.5 is equivalent to 60% of the information does this feel like the best access for your child?
FOOD FOR THOUGHT Educational interpreters are listed under IDEA as a related service provider just like an SLP, OT, PT, etc. Push to have your child s educational interpreter(s) attend IEP meetings (As a participant not interpreting the meeting) They have unique information regarding your child in the classroom Original intent to have Educational Interpreters under license law but after passed TF realized EI s were not included Resource: Classroominterpreting.org
QUESTIONS? Thank you! Contact Info: Sierra McIver Communications & Outreach Coordinator 1720 Westgate Drive, Suite A-2 Boise, ID 83704 Office: 208.334.0877 Cell: 208.401.5625 VP: 208.473.2059 Sierra.mciver@cdhh.Idaho.gov Cdhh.Idaho.gov
