Training Qualified Interpreters for IEP Meetings
Pursuant to the requirements of Public Act 101-0124 and 23 Illinois Administrative Code 226.800(1)(K), the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), will develop, design, administer, and maintain records related to Training Qualified Interpreters to support families during IEP Meetings in Illinois schools. This partnership between UIUC and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) began on July 1, 2022 and is anticipated to conclude June 30, 2027.
In accordance with applicable codes and regulations, UIUC has develop a training program in that consists of the following modules:
- Administration and validation of language proficiency assessments in both English and the second language;
- A training module in terminology and procedures relevant to IEP meeting in the target language;
- Training module on interpreting;
- Written and oral examination demonstrating content, sight translation, and interpreting knowledge and skills;
- Professional development training (at least 6 hours every 2 years subsequent to initial qualifications.
Training will begin in Spanish, followed by the four next-most-commonly spoken non-English languages in Illinois: Polish, Arabic, Urdu, and Russian. It is planned that all five of these languages will come online as part of the training program in the first five years and will eventually develop to serve trainees in approximately 160 non-English languages spoken throughout Illinois.
Click here to register and find more information on UIUC's Training Qualified Interpreters for IEP Meetings.
Contact Information:
Qualified IEP Interpreters Registry
The Qualified IEP Interpreters Registry is intended to support districts in facilitating the parent's understanding of and participation in the proceedings at a meeting, including arranging for and covering the expense of a qualified interpreter, as described in Illinois Administrative Code section 226.800(k), for parents whose preferred language is other than English.
Listings of persons included in the Registry will be prepared from application information obtained directly from each spoken-language interpreter. The current designation of persons listed will be verified by project personnel prior to listing. Sign Language Interpreters will not be included in this registry.
This registry will not be intended to qualify, rank, or otherwise indicate the quality of service provided by individuals. Registry verification will merely indicate that the individual has met the appropriate State requirements for designation. Further verification of interpreters will be the responsibility of the registry user, relative to the quality of service provided.
Further, the Illinois State Board of Education will not be responsible for payment of fees for the interpreter or for the determination of appropriate costs of service. Fees are determined by the current rates used within the local school district or by joint agreement.
Keep checking back for more information on:
- Being included on the registry
- Finding an interperter near you
- Searching an evaluator by name
More information coming soon ... STAY TUNED!
