43 Revise K12 Educational Interpreters’ Mentor Program
Issue: Some interpreters in K12 settings report feeling the need for more support as they are starting their careers. Interpreters in K12 settings are often working on waivers as they have not met the professional standards for their positions. Limited opportunities for interaction with DDBHH adults to improve language skills.
Proposed Solution: Minnesota Department of Education/Brightworks invest in an increased number of trained mentors, with an emphasis on CDIs as mentors, for working interpreters who are still working on waivers. Follow research based evidence on professional practice needed for gaining critical skills in interpreting, including prep meetings and debriefs, live observations, teamed interpreting assignments and case conferencing. Mentoring would need to occur at least once a week in each ongoing class for effective learning.
Expected outcome: DDBHH students would have better educational outcomes; therefore, allowing for becoming better educated citizens with higher employability. Improved support and job satisfaction for K12 interpreters and increased quality of K12 interpreting services.
Who is impacted: DDBHH children in mainstream educational settings, educational interpreters
Timeline: 6 months
Summary of Support Image Description
The stacked bar charts show how respondents rated their level of support and the total number of responses. The percentage for the five support levels is shown from left to right: Strongly Oppose (Dark Red), Oppose (Light Red), Neutral (Yellow), Support (Light Blue), and Strongly Support (Dark Blue).
Respondents may identify with multiple subgroups. The overall level of support is:
Overall
Strongly Oppose: 0%
Oppose: 1%
Neutral: 13%
Support: 52%
Strongly Support: 34%
Click to see the detailed image description for each subgroup.
Interpreter
Strongly Oppose: 0%
Oppose: 1%
Neutral: 13%
Support: 46%
Strongly Support: 39%
Certified Deaf Interpreter
Strongly Oppose: 0%
Oppose: 0%
Neutral: 0%
Support: 17%
Strongly Support: 83%
DDBHH Consumer
Strongly Oppose: 0%
Oppose: 0%
Neutral: 15%
Support: 51%
Strongly Support: 34%
System Stakeholder
Strongly Oppose: 0%
Oppose: 0%
Neutral: 11%
Support: 51%
Strongly Support: 38%
Overview of Respondents Opting for In-Depth Solution Analysis
After indicating their support level, 1% of the 135 respondents opted in to further assess whether the solution would worsen or improve on five metrics. Of the opt-in reviewers (2 respondents), 100% supported the solution, 0% were neutral on the solution, and 0% opposed the solution.
The remaining 133 respondents did not opt in to further assess the solution. Of these people, 85% support the solution, 13% were neutral on the solution, and 0% opposed the solution.
Reviewer Evaluation of Solution Effectiveness
Solution Effectiveness Image Description
The stacked bar charts show how respondents assessed the effectiveness of this solution based on five metrics. For each metric, the percentage of respondents is shown from left to right: Worsens (Red), Improves (Blue), No Impact (Gray).
DDBHH Quality of Life
Makes It Worse 0%
Makes It Better 100%
No Impact 0%
Interpreter Satisfaction
Makes It Worse 0%
Makes It Better 100%
No Impact 0%
Consumer Choice
Makes It Worse 0%
Makes It Better 100%
No Impact 0%
Interpreting Availability
Makes It Worse 0%
Makes It Better 66%
No Impact 33%
Interpreting Quality
Makes It Worse 0%
Makes It Better 100%
No Impact 0%
Reviewer Feedback and Insights
Interpreter
Comments from Interpreters note that having Deaf mentors would make a significant difference in the mentorship program.
Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing
Comments from DDBHH Consumers agree on the positive impact of Deaf mentors in enhancing interpreter skills.
System Stakeholder
No comments were submitted.
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