Implementation of a National Endorsement System for Interpreter Preparation Programs.

This final report discusses the outcomes of a project designed to promote higher standards for Sign Language interpreter preparations programs and to provide an opportunity for such programs to engage in self-examination. The project field-tested a set of program standards and a program self-study process with five Sign Language interpreter programs, and trained nine raters to score program applications. The project found that programs are eager for this type of programmatic feedback and wanted to know whether they "passed" the evaluation. Many qualified people expressed interest in participating in the rating and scoring process. The raters who completed training and participated in the field-test were found to have addressed the task with integrity, commitment, and insight. However, the scoring process was found to be structured so that it was difficult to interpret the data collected in any meaningful way. The report includes a program assessment, a description of the process of field-testing the interpreter education endorsement, and the program standards and evaluation forms. Contains 13 references. (CR)