Educational Interpreters

Educational Interpreters are a vital part of the educational team for deaf and hard of hearing students who access their curriculum through American Sign Language. This includes classroom instruction, teacher and student conversations, announcements, and relevant environmental sound information (like the signal for class changing). A primary responsibility of an educational interpreter is to make sure the student understands and comprehends the information being taught and has access to all activities and opportunities in their educational setting.

Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA)

• What is the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA)? 
  • The Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) ( https://www.classroominterpreting.org/assessments/performance) Test evaluates the ability to expressively interpret classroom content and discourse and the ability to receptively interpret student sign language. EIPA is used to evaluate interpreters who work with students who use predominantly American Sign Language (ASL) and Pidgin Sign English (PSE). 
• Where can I take the EIPA? 
  • All 3 PaTTAN office locations - Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Malvern - offer the EIPA. Visit the Boys Town EIPA website ( https://www.classroominterpreting.org/assessments/performance) and click on “Find an Assessment” to register for an exam at the PaTTAN office closest to you. 
• What is the minimum score I need to get on the EIPA in order to work as an educational interpreter in Pennsylvania? 
  • If using an EIPA score to meet the requirements in PA Chapter 14,in order to work as an educational interpreter in PA, you need to get a score of 3.5 or better.