Oral Interpretation at IEP Meetings

In recognition of the need for meaningful participation for non- or limited-English speaking parent(s)/guardian(s) at IEP team meetings, the Division of Special Education developed Oral Interpretation at IEP team meetings training, commonly referred to as OIT, for bilingual school site staff. The school principal will designate eligible staff to provide oral interpretation at IEP team meetings and Section 504 meetings.

 

The Oral Interpreting Training Parts 1 and 2 and the Recertification sessions are designed to equip designated bilingual staff, appointed by the school site administrator, with interpretation skills to support families during IEP and Section 504 meetings. These trainings are available in the Fall and Spring across all regions.

 

The Oral Interpreting Training Part 1 and Part 2 is an all-day in-person training. Participants become familiar with the different modes of interpreting, engage in rigorous practices to enhance their interpreting skills and special education terminology, learn about the different components of an IEP document, and receive tips and strategies on what to do before, during and after an IEP team meeting.  Participants attending this training will need to complete both parts of the Oral Interpretation Training at IEP team meetings the same day to earn a certificate of completion and to meet the criteria for recertification the following year.  

 

Recertification is a 2.5-hour synchronous session dedicated to reviewing the various interpreting modalities and practicing oral interpreting skills by engaging in rigorous role-playing activities to support their understanding about their interpreting role at IEP team meetings. Participants attending this year’s recertification training will need to register and complete OIT Part 1 and Part 2 the following year.  

 

Note: All participants attending any session are required to be in full attendance to receive full certification credit. All attendees must register in MyPLN.