This 75-page monograph was researched in 2001 and published in 2002. Copies may be ordered by contacting DeeDee Keiser, in the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, at (800) 233-3008 or email at dkeiser@state.pa.us.

 

Abstract

   A two-part survey of educational interpreters was conducted in Pennsylvania. The instruments consisted of questions related to credentials, working conditions, and professional development goals. The initial 41-question survey was mailed, in January 2001, to all school districts, intermediate units, vocational and charter schools serving the K-12 populations in Pennsylvania. It consisted primarily of multiple-choice questions. There were 133 responses collected by June 2001, from a reported 296 working interpreters. 126 responses were considered valid and complete. Thus the initial survey generated 126 out of 296, or a 43% response rate. A subsequent survey, consisting of ten additional questions, was emailed to 41 of the initial survey participants and 18 responses were collected. the emailed survey focused on the topics of salary scales, professionalism, and certification standards and primarily elicited short answer responses. This was a small sample size and some interesting data was collected and reported.

 

   The surveys revealed areas of consensus and diversity across the Commonwealth. Educational interpreters usually: receive benefits and extra-curricular pay, plan to pursue Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) certification, attend workshops for which they are reimbursed, are satisfied with their jobs, and support certification/licensure of all working interpreters. Diversity was found in areas of working conditions, professional associations, and educational training and qualifications.