The Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) is a diagnostic tool which is language free (can look at American Sign Language or English sign systems) and is not tied to any grade level. It was designed specifically for interpreters working with children and young adults in an educational setting. The EIPA uses a rating form, but the assessment is described as a process even though a form is used. The team of individuals trained to use the EIPA as a diagnostic tool, will adhere to the entire process when using the rating form.
The EIPA uses interpreting samples taken from a natural working environment. The Center expects to use professionally developed simulated material from lower and upper grade educational settings and will videotape each person interpreting these materials. Trained raters will work in teams of three to review each video tape and provide diagnostic feedback regarding the interpreter's strengths and areas needing professional development. The goal in getting a videotaped sample of interpreting is to ensure that what is used is reasonably challenging so that it represents what an interpreter should be capable of doing to be eligible for NYS Permanent Certification.
After the interpreting sample is completed, evaluators will view the videotape and rate the sample. The team will be comprised of three individuals who are fluent sign communicators, with at least one team member proficient in the specific sign system being evaluated and one team member proficient in ASL. At least one of the team members will be a Deaf native ASL user, and it is expected that most of the time the other team members will be certified interpreters and/or interpreter educators.
The EIPA skills assessment will provide:
1. Proficiency skill level (Levels 1-5);
2. Feedback regarding the interpreter's proficiency as well as areas
targeted for further skill development;
3. Interpreting assignment guidance and;
4. Professional development recommendations.
The EIPA assesses the following skill categories:
For a description of the EIPA levels got to: http://stripe.colorado.edu/~schick/EIPA/profile.html
