Arizona Training of Interpreters in Public Schools (ATIPS)

The Arizona Training of Interpreters in Public Schools (ATIPS) project is a one-year comprehensive approach to training designed for K-12 interpreters living/working in the state of Arizona. ATIPS is funded by the Arizona Department of Education and offers blended delivery training aimed at K-12 interpreters with proven skill. This blended delivery skills training begins with Summer Face-to-Face (F2F) training to introduce participating interpreters to the training modules to be used, as well as the technology necessary for participation. K-12 interpreters enter the ATIPS Project via evaluation. This measured entering point assists both the interpreter, who receives appropriate training based on the diagnostic results, and ATIPS, which plans and delivers the training based upon the same research. Ninety-eight interpreters in Arizona are eligible and will be invited to participate. The Educational Interpreting Performance Assessment (EIPA) is the evaluation tool used and candidates for training have earned an EIPA score in the range: Level 3.0-3.4.

The majority of K-12 interpreters in the state of Arizona, and nationally, are under qualified, or not qualified, to provide deaf and hard of hearing students access to the curriculum offered in public school settings (Jones, 2004; Schick, Williams & Bolster, 1999; Schick, Williams & Kupermintz; 2005; Winston, 2004). Sixty-two percent of the K-12 interpreters working in public schools in Arizona, and nationally, do not meet the skill standard for performance of EIPA Level 3.5 (ASK12 Project, 2005).

The two modules of skill development are being developed based upon the performances of educational interpreters we have tested. The titles of these modules are: Educational Interpreting Discourse and Fingerspelling in the Classroom. These are the two areas we think are most in need of attention based on research. Doug Bowen-Bailey and Patty Gordon are taking the lead in the development, with guidance and assistance from Kevin Williams (coauthor of the EIPA instrument). Doug and Patty will conduct the F2F training/education as well as the distance delivery facilitation. The website to be used in conjunction with the distance delivery is www.educationalinterpreting.org. This website will provide access for all participants, as well as links to other valuable resources. This site is maintained by the College of St. Catherine in Minneapolis, and Mr. Bowen-Bailey himself. As the materials are created, they will be made available to all participants. Upon completion of ATIPS, all participants will be re-evaluated using the EIPA. Success of ATIPS will then be evaluated.

The needs for interpreter training/education continue to grow. The educational needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing demand that we build avenues for interpreters to improve their service delivery. The ATIPS Project addresses training/educational needs demonstrated by interpreters working in the K-12 setting. The purpose of the project is to increase the number of qualified interpreters (EIPA Level 3.5 or above) working in schools.