Note:  This program has been suspended for the 2012-2013 Academic Year.

EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETER DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM: SIGNING EXACT ENGLISH (SEE)

Continuing a long history of collaboration between WSU and area public schools, the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and the WSU Westside Campus worked with the Wichita Public Schools to establish the Educational Interpreter Development Certificate Program: Signing Exact English (EIDCP:SEE) in Fall 2001.

The purpose of the EIDCP:SEE program is to provide students, classroom interpreters or others interested in the deaf or hard of hearing, with an introduction to the world of interpreting in educational settings and instruction, resource materials, and tools to guide him/her toward further knowledge and skill development with the goal of meeting or exceeding Level 3 (Intermediate) performance on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA).

CURRICULUM

The EIDCP:SEE program requires 19 credit hours, which can be completed in one calendar year, beginning in the fall semester. Most classes are scheduled at the Westside Campus. Classes meet more frequently during the shorter summer term.

Course Sequence

Fall Semester: CSD 240, CSD 260, and CSD 380

Spring Semester: CSD 330, CSD 360, and CSD 381

Summer Session: CSD 340 and CSD 345

Elective: either CSD 111 or CSD 770

Course Descriptions

• CSD 111 Disorders of Human Communication, 3 ch - offered Fall and Spring
  An orientation to disorders of human communication, communicative and psychosocial problems commonly encountered, and general approaches to habilitation.



• CSD 240 Intro to Deaf and Hard of Hearing, 2 ch
  Reviews history and philosophies contributing to present trends in education of the deaf. State and Federal Laws that address services to the deaf and hard of hearing, as well as certification and evaluation requirements for teachers and interpreters will be introduced. A look at etiology of deafness, interventions and devices for the deaf will be included.



• CSD 260 Signing Exact English I, 2 ch
  Introduction to the theory and use of SEE as a means of communication with the hearing impaired. Independent outside practice is necessary to facilitate skill.
   
• CSD 330 Educational Interpreting, 2 ch
  Addresses the professional development, roles, ethics, confidentiality, and responsibilities of interpreters in educational settings. Interpreting principles will be taught. This course will also focus on ways to efficiently integrate the role of the interpreter into the educational system, and current issues in the field of educational interpreting. Prerequisites: CDS 240 and 260.



• CSD 340 Pragmatic Process and Analysis in SEE, 3 ch
  Introduces the pragmatic process required of the interpreter to analyze, organize, and prioritize information from a source for its accurate conveyance. Diagnosing areas causing breakdowns of interpreting, followed by strategies for improvement of skills will ne the focus. Prerequisites: CDS 240, 260, 330, 360, and 380.



• CSD 345 Refining Interpreting Techniques in SEE, 3 ch
  This course is designed to provide strategies for improving vital skills in expressive and receptive interpreting. It addresses issues such as reading signs, non-manual markers and grammar, as well as applicaiton of lag time and prioritization for propoer word and grammar choices in English. It also addresses interpretation of cultural information, and effective public speaking. Prerequisites: CDS 240, 260, 330, 360, and 380.



• CSD 360 Signing Exact English II, 2 ch
  An advanced class in the theory and use of SEE as a means of communication with the hearing impaired. Emphasizes vocabulary and interpreting skills. Prerequisite: CDS 260.



• CSD 380 Practicum in Signing Exact English I, 1 ch
  Provides students with observation of skilled interpreters in various educational K-12 settings throughout the semester. Opportunities to discuss with the interpreters about their responsibilities and roles in providing communication access to students in and outside of the classroom in school-related activities



• CSD 381 Practicum in Signing Exact English II, 1 ch
  Serves to define, examine and practice the separate components of sign and document practice within the realm of interpreting in educational settings. Prerequisite: CDS 380.



• CSD 770 Communication Development and Disorders, 3 ch - offered Spring only
  Identifies communication deviations, differentiating disorders from developmetnal and/or cultural/linguistic differences. Evaluates potential impact of various communication disorders on academic performance of individuals. Considers strategies for facilitating development of children's communication skills in educational settings.

Credit by Examination Option (CSD 260)

Students with previous experience in Signing Exact English may request to take CSD 260 by examination. The cost is $45. 

 CSD 260 Credit by Examination Information Sheet (PDF)

FAQs: SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER CERTIFICATION

• Does Wichita State University certify sign language interpreters?
  
  WSU has classes which help prepare students to pass the tests required for certification. The Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH), which is part of the Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services, is the certifying agency for interpreters in Kansas.

• Must sign language interpreters be registered with the State of Kansas?
  
  Yes, Kansas law requires all working interpreters to be registered with the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH). Registration is the first step in the process of becoming certified. If you are not yet certified, you must be involved in the certification process within two years of your registration date. For registration information, contact Megan Essary at KCDHH, 1-800-432-0698 or mme@srskansas.org.

• What is the process for becoming a Certified Sign Language Interpreter in Kansas?
  
  Whether you have recently graduated from an Interpreter Training Program, or are an experienced interpreter certified in an other state but new to Kansas, you must take the Kansas Quality Assurance Screening (KQAS) Written and Performance Tests.

  The process begins by contacting Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH) and filling out a registration form for the KQAS Written and Performance Tests. Contact Megan Essary at KCDHH, 1-800-432-0698 or mme@srskansas.org, to request an application.

  The written portion has a total of 50 questions and is proctored at various locations. To pass, one must answer 85% of the questions correctly. The fee is $20.00. After passing the written test, you will be eligible for the performance test.

  The performance test has two portions; interpreting and transliterating. It is conducted using video tapes in three sections; voice to sign, interactive, and sign to voice. Each portion is approximately 10 minutes for interpreting and transliteration (total time 30 minutes). The test fee is $120.00.

  Your performance test video tape will be sent to three evaluators. If you have passed, you will receive your certification card and written feedback. If you have not passed, you may retest in six months..
   

• Where can I get more information?
  

  Online at www.srskansas.org/kcdhh/text/interpret_info.htm or contact Megan Essary at KCDHH, 1-800-432-0698 or mme@srskansas.org.