Educational Interpreters

ed-int.jpegQualifications and Regulations

Pennsylvania has established minimum standards for individuals serving as interpreters and translators in the Commonwealth. Act 57 establishes the standard for all interpreters and indicates that K-12 educational interpreting standards are regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education under Chapter 14. Individuals working in Pennsylvania schools may qualify by meeting either the Act 57 or Chapter 14 requirements. Either avenue carries a requirement for continual professional development (currently 20 hours per year).
 
There are no exemptions to qualifications to interpret in Pennsylvania schools. Educational interpreters serving in temporary, substitute, part-time, or full-time positions, are held to the same qualifications.

One way for educational interpreters to meet Chapter 14 Regulations is to attain and provide evidence of a score of 3.5 on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) for the appropriate grade level to which the person has been assigned.