OAR 581-015-2035: Minimum Standards for Sign Language Interpreters Serving Students in Public Schools

(1) Definitions. For purposes of this rule, the following definitions shall apply: (a) “CI” means Certificate of Interpretation issued by RID. (b) “CT” means Certificate of Transliteration issued by RID. (c) “EI/ECSE” means Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education. (d) “EIPA” means the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment®, including both the written and performance components. (e) “NIC” means the National Interpreter Certification by RID. (f) “Public School” means a public agency or school district or as defined in OAR 581-015-2000. (g) “RID” means Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Inc. (h) “Sign Language Interpreter” means a person who provides educational interpreting services to students with hearing impairments. (i) “Student” means a student with a hearing impairment who is: (A) Eligible for EI/ECSE or special education services under OAR 581-015-2150; or (B) A qualified student with a disability under Section 504 as defined in OAR 581-015-2390. (2) Minimum Standard. A public school may employ or contract for the services of a sign language interpreter for a student only if the sign language interpreter meets the following minimum standards: (a) The sign language interpreter must achieve a passing score of 3.5 or above on the EIPA Performance Test or hold RID NIC, CI or CT Certification; and (b)(A) Hold a Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree from an Interpreter Education Program or in a related educational field; or (B) Achieve a passing score on the EIPA Written test.