Educational Interpreter Perspectives on Working in K–12 Settings

• In Event: Research on the Education of Deaf Persons SIG Paper Session

Abstract

Studies have found that deaf children routinely lag behind their hearing peers in mainstream educational settings even with the use of sign language interpreters. Previous research has examined potential contributing factors such as deaf students abilities and sign language interpreter proficiency, but limited research has examined how school personnel may include interpreters and work with them to provide more effective service for deaf children. This qualitative study conducted focus group interviews on 19 educational interpreters from two school districts with magnet programs for deaf children to investigate how they perceived their involvement as members of the school staff.

Authors

• Peter Crume, Fresno State

• Bryan Berrett, California State University - Fresno