What is the Knowledge Screening?
The Knowledge Screening is the knowledge diagnostic tool used for interpreters in the Pre-K-12th grade settings. The information on the screening incorporates and represents what an interpreter is expected to know to function as a viable and knowledgeable member of the team working with D/deaf, hard-of-hearing, and DeafBlind children and young adults in New York State (NYS).
The screening tool was offered to all NYS educational interpreters (part or full-time) in the state during the academic years, 1999-2000 and 2000-2001. Questions on the screening require short answers to demonstrate one's knowledge of a wide variety of topics. The Regional Site Coordinator scores the screening.
Following the screening, each interpreter will receive a document which contains information defining the areas needing to be developed and suggested training to compensate for improvement. Completing the suggestions on the professional development document will assist the interpreter in preparation for the written knowledge test leading to certification.
The Knowledge Screening tool will assess knowledge of:
1. Sign communication systems
2. Models of interpreting
3. ASL/semantics/grammar
4. Communication assessment
5. Basic special education
6. Sign-to-voice/transliterating/interpreting
7. Models of processing
8. Self-assessment
1. Professionalism in interpreting
2. RMI
3. History of interpreting
4. Deaf Culture/heritage
5.
Ethical considerations (Code of Ethics)
1. ADA
2. State laws/state education department regulations/federal laws
3. IEP, implementations/testing modifications
1. Advocacy
2. Adapting physical environment for optimal inclusion
3. In-service content/process (staff and students)
4. Mandated reporting
5. School policies/procedures
6. Extra curricular activities
7. Special testing/counseling
1. Additional support services
2. Functioning as team member
3. IDEA implementation (including IEP, multiple roles)
4. Relationships with team members
5. Roles of team members
6. Teaching sign language
1. Etiology of hearing loss
2. Educational amplification
1. Educational/social impact of hearing loss
2. Advocacy
3. Child adolescent development
4. Psychology of education
5. Practice of education
Resources:
"A brief introduction to the National Association of the Deaf interpreter assessment and certification program", (March, 1998). NAD, Silver Spring, MD.
Arkansas Educational Interpreting Handbook, (1995, second edition). Committee on Standards for Educational Interpreters, Arkansas Department of Education, Special Education Personnel Development Council.
Brewer, L. C., Nelson-Nasca, M. & Mitchell, M. K., (1998). "Preparation of Educational Interpreters," NY State Grant, State Education Department, Office of VESID.
Brodie, P. J., Parmir, J. Ross, L. L., (1999), "Meeting needs of licensed educational interpreters," Ohio Department of Education & the Ohio School for the Deaf.
"Certification/permit requirements for sign language interpreters working in any capacity," (1999). Working document.
"Code of Ethics Guidelines for Educational Interpreters," working document. Florida RID.
"Competencies for an Educational/Vocational Interpreter," working document, NYSED-VESID.
Educational Interpreting for Deaf Students,
(1989). (E. R.
Stuckless, J. C. Avery, &
T. A. Hurwitz, Eds.) Report of the National Task Force on
Educational
Interpreting.
"Educational interpreter evaluation - guidelines for educational interpreters," (1999), Florida RID.
"Interpreter handbook: Ethics," (March, 1999). Seattle Community College.
"Interpreter input - state certification," (1999) working document. Monroe County #1 BOCES, Rochester, NY.
Kischer-Browe, K., "The multifaceted role of the interpreter/aide in the public school setting," (April, 1999) Views, RID, Inc., Silver Springs, Md.
"Maine guidelines for educational interpreters."
New York State Guidelines for Educational Interpreting, (1989). The University of the State of New York, State Education Department, Office of Special Education Services.
"Oregon guidelines educational interpreting for students who are deaf," (1991).
"Written test for educational sign language interpreters," (1999). Kansas State Board of Education.