The Educational Interpreters Proficiency Assessment

Remember back when I posted about interpreting and propositioned that there should be some sort of separate testing for those interpreters strictly in the educational field? Not long after that, I found out about the EIPA. http://www.classroominterpreting.org/eipa/index.asp This is an assessment fully embraced by both the RID and NAD. So, why isn't it available here in MS?

I e-mailed the entity that created the EIPA and this was the response that I received:

Roxanne,

Your message was forwarded to me via Kelly Dengle. I cannot respond to the reasons that your state does not recognize the EIPA, but it is a state level decision. Many states have adopted the EIPA as a tool used to determine the employability of interpreters working in the K-12 setting. We agree with you that the EIPA is a perfect vehicle for individuals working in K-12 settings, the test is authentic and valid. It measures the skills using a stimulus tape that is composed of a variety of subject areas and reflects what actually happens in classroom discourse. You may want to contact someone in your state to find out why they do not acknowledge the EIPA.

Frances J. Beaurivage, CI/C T

Child Language Curriculum Specialist

Center for Childhood Deafness and

EIPA Diagnostic Center

Lied Learning and Technology Center

425 North 30th Street

Omaha, NE 68131

Ph: 402-452-5045

Fax: 402-452-5028

As you can see, this is a STATE decision. So... who exactly is responsible for negating the process in our state? It has been suggested this is due to the influence of the Goldman cartel. Do they truly have this sort of power? It wouldn't surprise me as I also just recently learned that an interpreter who had her level removed by the QA Board was informed that she would never be allowed to test again since she raised questions about their professionalism and the veracity of their findings. Needless to say, I was appalled by this proclamation! I don't quite believe they have the right to say who can or cannot test.

Here we have a process that would give our interpreters the vehicle they need to work in their chosen venue, completely by-passing the whole QA agenda. The Deaf would have the interpreters they so desperately need. All parties win.

I forwarded the e-mail to the MSRID. Let's see what they have to say about it.

The interpreters and Deaf of this state need to begin a campaign to have the EIPA process adopted here. This is YOUR lives, YOUR world. Get on the ball and contact every one of the Powers That Be who can press forward on this issue! This is your chance to make something right happen!!! So, what are you waiting for???