Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA)
Established in 1999, the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Diagnostic Center is the only program of its kind in the world. The program focuses on supporting the unique skills required for sign interpretation in the educational setting.
Using the EIPA, skilled Deaf and hearing raters provide diagnostic services for individual interpreters, states, educational settings and school districts. The Center’s purpose is to:
- Evaluate the skills and knowledge of interpreters working in K-12 educational settings
- Provide information to local, state and federal agencies regarding interpreting practices
- Provide training to interpreters to assist them in skill and knowledge enhancement
- Provide screenings to assist administrators in making interpreter hiring decisions
Performance Assessment
The EIPA evaluates an interpreter’s ability to interpret classroom content, student discourse and classroom discourse. The assessment uses stimulus video of actual classroom settings and interviews with child signers. It is designed to evaluate a variety of language systems and modalities (ASL/PSE/MCE). The interpreter’s performance on the EIPA is assessed by a panel of trained evaluators.
Written Test and Knowledge Standards
This comprehensive online test evaluates the interpreter’s knowledge of concepts that are critical to working effectively with students in the educational setting. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and requires approximately 1.5 to 3 hours to complete.
Pre-Hire Screening
The Pre-Hire Screening is a rapid means for school administrators to obtain information on the overall interpreting abilities of a potential new hire. The screening provides general feedback about the interpreter’s skills within 72 hours and is not intended to replace a full EIPA Performance Assessment.
Classroom Interpreting Website
This site is designed to help education teams in K-12 settings support students who use educational interpreters. Valuable information about guidelines for working with interpreters and resources can be found at
www.classroominterpreting.org.
Professional Guidelines
The EIPA Guidelines for Professional Conduct addresses concepts regarding professional practice of interpreting in an educational setting. Important information about learning in an interpreted education from the perspective of administrators, teachers, interpreters, parents and students, can be found at
www.classroominterpreting.org.
Additional EIPA Training and Resources
Distance training courses are offered throughout the year. EIPA practice materials may be purchased at
www.boystownpress.org.
The EIPA Diagnostic Center will offer three 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.
