Specifications include, but are not limited to: Recruiting and training language interpreters around the state willing to be included in an online registry for districts. The districts can use the registry as a resource for selecting interpreters to hire for IEP meetings. Entities experienced with the development of online training modules and knowledge of special education procedures are eligible to apply. Such entities include not-for-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, professional organizations, school districts, special education cooperatives, and other joint agreements with a governing body or board of control, and educational service regions. The awarded Offeror shall 1) develop a screening process for recruits to participate in the qualified interpreter modules; 2) create training modules that develop competency in interpreting between English and another language, interpretation of standards (practice, ethics, and confidentiality), the role of the interpreter and role boundaries, respect, impartiality, professionalism, cultural competence and responsiveness, and advocacy for communication and cultural needs; 3) create training modules on special education processes and vocabulary; 4) create or adapt and administer a written examination for recruits to demonstrate knowledge of special education terminology and protocol, interpretation standards and techniques, interpretation ethics; 5) create or adapt and administer an oral examination for recruits to demonstrate proficiency in interpreting between English and another language through consecutive or simultaneous interpreting and sight translation and conduct random annual retesting of 15 qualified interpreters in consultation with ISBE; 6) create and maintain a registry of qualified interpreters in coordination with ISBE; 7) create ongoing professional development modules in the topics listed in item 2; and 8) Offeror will create evaluation forms to be used with districts and individuals, distribute such forms, collect and analyze the results, and report biannually to the State data about the effectiveness and preparedness of qualified interpreters after completing the qualified interpreter training.
