Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment®

One of the greatest factors affecting the education of deaf and hard of hearing students in the regular education setting is the interpreter. A highly qualified interpreter is required to provide basic access to the classroom. When an educational interpreter lacks interpreting skills and knowledge needed to work as an effective educational team member deaf and hard of hearing students cannot access the full content of the classroom. Because of this, they are not receiving an appropriate education.

In 1991, Boys Town National Research Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska responded to requests for tools that could assess the proficiency of educational interpreters by developing the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment ® (EIPA). The EIPA offers a family of products designed to provide:

• Accurate and timely assessment of educational interpreters
• Assessment of content knowledge needed to work in an educational setting
• Information for school administrators, educators and parents regarding the role and function of educational interpreters and the need for competent services
• Guidance to Departments of Education at both the federal and state levels regarding issues of educating deaf and hard of hearing students in inclusive settings

EIPA products and services are provided through the EIPA Diagnostic Center at Boys Town National Research Hospital. In keeping with the Hospital’s mission, the Individuals With Disabilities Act (IDEA), and No Child Left Behind, the Center is committed to making a difference in the quality of education for deaf and hard of hearing student.

Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Distance Courses

The EIPA Diagnostic Center will offer four onsite and distance video conference workshops. Workshops are designed for interpreters working in the K-12 classroom setting, community interpreters, deaf educators and individuals supervising or working with interpreters.

EIPA

The EIPA is a tool that evaluates the voice-to-sign and sign-to voice skills of interpreters who work in the elementary through secondary classroom using videotape stimulus materials and a procedure that includes a comprehensive rating system.

EIPA Guidelines for Professional Conduct

This section describes the roles and responsibilities of interpreters who work in educational settings.

EIPA Pre-Hire Screening

This tool provides screening for schools that need an immediate answer regarding whether an applicant is qualified to interpret in a classroom.