Standards for Interpreting Standardized Testing

Standards for Interpreting Standardized Testing

Date:  January 26, 2019
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.   (8:00 registration check-in)
Fee:  $25.00 (includes light lunch)

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Workshop description:

Many Deaf and hard-of-hearing students experience difficulty taking standardized tests. Central to this difficulty is the reality that English often functions as a non-native language for these individuals. Compounding the language issue, standardized tests are often constructed with the overall style of language being very specialized, include low-frequency vocabulary words, contain grammatical constructions that make items more difficult to decode, ask music- and/or sound-based questions, and impose artificial time constraints on test takers. One accommodation is to have interpreters translate questions and answer choices for Deaf and hard-of-hearing test takers. Without adequate knowledge, skill, and preparation, however, attempting to interpret standardized testing could actually harm students’ ability to accurately represent themselves on the exam. While little in the way of research exists in this arena, David has been involved in translating standardized testing for video delivery for over a decade. From helping to “invent the wheel” to consulting with various states on their approach to testing, David has a wealth of experience to help guide interpreters in this important work.

Presenter:   David N. Evans, CI and CT, NIC Master

David has been interpreting since 1987, is nationally certified, and uses the Integrated Model of Interpreting (IMI) to analyze his work in holistic, non-evaluative terms. He works extensively in conference, recovery, performance, and community settings. David has educated interpreters for over two decades. His company, Bridge Communications, facilitates fun, state-of-the-art workshops drawing upon current literature and practice. Gain confidence and experience through interactive, research-based programs designed to enhance interpreting skills, improve language fluencies, and augment cultural competencies. David lives in Minneapolis with his dog. He is a voracious reader, loves playing Frisbee, and roller skating.

CEU Hours: 6 hours/ .6 CEUS RID hours

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Sponsored by Regional Low Incidence Projects - Region 11

This training is funded with a grant from MDE using federal funding, CFDA 84.027A, Special Education - Grants to States. This event does not necessarily represent the policy of the federal Department of Education or the state Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the federal or state government.

Cancellation: You can cancel your own registration for an event before the cancellation deadline. (Please check the event information for specific cancellation details.) If the event has a fee, refunds are possible only if cancellation is prior to the deadline. If you do not attend and do not cancel prior to an event, you are still responsible for payment and will be billed.

Special Accommodations: Please alert BrightWorks 2-3 weeks prior to the workshop/event if you need special accommodations, including sign language interpreters. (BrightWorks requires a notice of 2 business days to cancel a sign language interpreter. If you fail to cancel, we reserve the right to bill your school/district for this expense.) Update your profile as needed. Special accommodations are not included with each registration, but are stored in your profile until you make changes.