1. (1) Definitions. For purposes of this rule, the following definitions shall apply:

   1. (a) “CI” means Certificate of Interpretation issued by RID.
   2. (b) “CT” means Certificate of Transliteration issued by RID.
   3. (c) “EI/ECSE” means Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education.
   4. (d) “EIPA” means the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment®, including both the written and performance components.
   5. (e) “NIC” means the National Interpreter Certification by RID.
   6. (f) “Public School” means a public agency or school district or as defined in OAR 581-015-2000.
   7. (g) “RID” means Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Inc.
   8. (h) “Sign Language Interpreter” means a person who provides educational interpreting services to students with hearing impairments.

   9. (i) “Student” means a student with a hearing impairment who is:

      1. (A) Eligible for EI/ECSE or special education services under OAR 581-015-2150; or
      2. (B) A qualified student with a disability under Section 504 as defined in OAR 581-015-2390.

2. (2) Minimum Standard. A public school may employ or contract for the services of a sign language interpreter for a student only if the sign language interpreter meets the following minimum standards:

   1. (a) The sign language interpreter must achieve a passing score of 3.5 or above on the EIPA Performance Test or hold RID NIC, CI or CT Certification; and

   2. (b)

      1. (A) Hold a Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree from an Interpreter Education Program or in a related educational field; or
      2. (B) Achieve a passing score on the EIPA Written test.

Statutory/Other Authority

ORS 185.225 & ORS 343.041

Statutes/Other Implemented

ORS 185.110 & ORS 185.225

History

ODE 17-2025, amend filed 03/14/2025, effective 03/14/2025
ODE 44-2024, temporary amend filed 09/19/2024, effective 09/19/2024 through 03/17/2025
ODE 33-2024, amend filed 06/14/2024, effective 06/14/2024
ODE 11-2008, f. & cert. ef. 4-21-08