Educational interpreting: understanding the rural experience.

摘要: The present study examined the experiences, preparation, and perceptions of 63 educational interpreters employed in two rural states, using surveys subsequent in-depth interviews with selected subjects. Only 10 had completed interpreter preparation programs, 5 these having no course work related to education. None working elementary or secondary schools held certification from Registry Interpreters for Deaf any other certifying body. Of interpreters, 43 were assessed Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA), which uses a scale 0-5. Test takers who score 3.5 better are considered "coherent." mean on EIPA was 2.6. Respondents reported concerns about their limited understanding American Sign Language (ASL), ability interpret ASL English, salaries, training, professional status.