Benchmarks
Two standardized benchmark exams were instituted in 2004 to ensure that students have the requisite language and cognitive processing skills to succeed in subsequent classes and obtain the degree. By achieving the required benchmark score, students are minimally prepared for more complex coursework and are more likely to persist through the program.
Benchmark #1 – Sign Communication Proficiency Interview (SCPI)
The SCPI is a nationally standarized test produced by the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) in Rochester, NY and is taken toward the end of ASL IV (usually in November). Levels awarded range from Survival to Advanced and the standard of achievement on the SCPI is the Intermediate Level. This test is videotaped at UALR in an informal interview setting. The tapes are sent to an outside evaluation team consisting of Deaf and hearing raters who have been trained by NTID.
Students must receive the Intermediate level to register in the spring interpreting triad courses (INTR 3364 Sign to Voice Interpreting/Transliterating, INTR 3366 Voice to Sign Interpreting/Transliterating, INTR 3362 Interpreting in Specialized Settings). For those that do not achieve this rating, a plan of remediation will be developed for these students who may re-take the test at a later date.
Benchmark #2 – Mid-America Quality Assurance Screening Test (QAST)
The QAST is a regionally standardized test of interpreting and transliterating skills. The IEP Program Coordinator schedules these exams with the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services QAST Coordinator, Zania Musteen, during the final semester of the AA degree. Students are prepared for this exam during INTR 3364 Sign to Voice Interpreting/Transliterating, INTR 3366 Voice to Sign Interpreting/Transliterating, INTR 3362 Interpreting in Specialized Settings, and a Mock QAST is administered in early April. The QAST evaluations are usually scheduled for late April.
The QAST measures skills on a level of I –V, with I being the apprentice level and V being the advanced level. Students must achieve a Level I in both interpreting and transliterating (called a Level I/I) to proceed to the BA degree courses. For those that do not achieve this rating, a plan of remediation will be developed for these students who may re-take the test at a later date. The required waiting period between testing is six months.