SS_099-16 License revision for educational interpreters

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

STATEMENT OF SCOPE

FOR ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

Rule No. PI 34  

Relating to : License revision for Educational Interpreters

Rule Type : Permanent

Pursuant to Coyne v. Walker, the Department of Public Instruction is not required to obtain the Governor’s approval for the statement of scope for this rule. Coyne v. Walker, 2016 WI 38 .

1.   Finding/nature of the emergency (Emergency Rule only).

N/A

2.   A description of the objective of the proposed rule.

The proposed rule seeks to revise the administrative rules governing licensure for educational interpreters for PK-12 students who are deaf and hard of hearing. The objective of the rule changes is to address: 1) required tests and minimum passing scores, to be determined by the State Superintendent; 2) minimum competencies for license issuance and renewal; and 3) written test requirements for initial licensure.

3.   A description of the existing policies and new policies included in the proposed rule and an analysis of policy alternatives.

Under the current administrative rules governing the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA), the tool Wisconsin uses to measure interpreter competency, competency standards for license renewal were established in 1997 with a minimum score of 3.0. Among the 41 states that use the EIPA, Wisconsin has one of the lowest competency requirements and there is no current competency requirement established for initial licensure. Therefore, changes in student needs and educator expectations require a change to interpreter competency. Without a rule change, the Department would be required to enforce the standards for educational interpreters as they exist in the current rule.

4.   The statutory authority for the proposed rule.

Under s. 115.28 (7) (c) , the State Superintendent has the authority to license and make rules for the examination and licensing of persons, including teachers, employed to provide publicly funded special education and related services, including interpreting services as defined under s. 115.76 (14) , Stats.

5.   An estimate of the amount of time agency employees will spend developing the proposed rule and of other resources needed to develop the rule.

The amount of time needed for rule development by department staff and the amount of other resources necessary are indeterminate.

6.   A description of all of the entities that will be affected by the proposed rule.

This rule change could impact local education agencies and individuals seeking an educational interpreter license under s. 115.28 (7) (c) , Stats.

7.   A summary and preliminary comparison of any existing or proposed federal regulation that addresses or is intended to address the activities to be regulated by the proposed rule.

N/A

8.   Anticipated economic impact of implementing the rule (note if the rule is likely to have a significant economic impact on small businesses).

The proposed rules will have no significant economic impact on small businesses, as defined in s. 227.114 (1) , Stats.

Contact Information

Carl Bryan

Policy and Budget Team

[phone]

[e-mail]