Section R. 393.5026 - Educational interpreter qualificationsRule 26.
(1) An educational interpreter working in an elementary school environment (pre-kindergarten through 6th grade) shall, except as provided in subrule (8) of this rule, possess any of the following: (a) An EIPA performance score of 4.0, EIPA elementary endorsement. If the EIPA 4.0 is first obtained after August 31, 2016, a passing score on the EIPA written test or a similar written test adopted by the division in cooperation with MDE.(b) A division recognized certification that requires an equivalent child-based model testing instrument approved and certified by the division with advice from the department of education.(c) A deaf interpreter credential and certification by the division.(2) An educational interpreter working in secondary school environment (grade 7 to age 26) shall possess at least 1 of the following:(a) An EIPA performance score of 4.0, EIPA elementary or secondary endorsement and, if the EIPA 4.0 is first obtained after August 31, 2018, a passing score on the EIPA written test or a similar written test adopted by the division in cooperation with MDE.(c) A minimum standard level 2 or 3.(d) A division recognized certification that requires an equivalent child-based model testing instrument approved and certified by the division with advice from the department of education.(e) A deaf interpreter credential and certification by the division.(3) An interpreter meeting the certification requirements of subrule (1) or (2) of this rule may interpret for a proceeding for D/DB/HH children and youth only in the following situations, effective communication is required to be achieved:(a) Elementary or secondary classroom or secondary vocational training.(b) A 504 plan meeting or school based or transition setting in which the student is placed as determined appropriate by the IEP or 504 team.(c) School-related disciplinary situations including manifestation determinations that do not involve police.(d) Before- and after-school activities.(f) During an IEP (individualized education program meeting) for the student.(g) High school vocational training.(h) Another school-related activity.(i) Any auxiliary services located within the school or related services listed on the IEP.(j) As described in R 393.5051, an educational interpreter shall team with a standard level 2 or standard level 3 interpreter for medical, mental health, or legal situations including situations involving child protective services unless the educational interpreter also is qualified to interpret in the relevant situation.(4) Upon absence of a regularly assigned educational interpreter, a long-term substitute interpreter shall be used in an elementary environment when an absence is expected to last more than 20 school days. A long term-substitute shall be qualified to be an educational interpreter as described in subrule (3) of these rules except: (a) In an elementary environment a long term substitute interpreter may possess a Michigan BEI 2, or minimum standard level 2 or 3.(b) In a secondary environment a long-term substitute interpreter may possess an EIPA 3.5.(5) Upon absence of a regularly assigned educational interpreter, a short-term substitute interpreter shall be used if the absence is expected to last 20 school days or less. A short-term substitute shall be qualified to be a long-term substitute interpreter as described in subrule (4) of this rule except that in an elementary environment a short term interpreter may possess an EIPA 3.5.(6) An educational interpreter with 1 of the following credentials who is employed by a school district on the effective date of these rules, may continue to perform work duties assigned on or before the effective date, but only until the conclusion of that school year, after which time he or she shall be qualified as described in subrule (3) of this rule to continue employment:(c) IC (Interpretation certificate).(d) TC (transliteration certificate).(7) Compliance with subrules (1) to (5) of this rule shall be accomplished by September 1, 2016.(8) Following the effective date of these rules and until August 31, 2016, in both elementary and secondary settings, interpreters must possess an EIPA certification indicating a performance score of not less than 3.5 or standard level 2, standard level 3, or a Michigan BEI I.(9) An EIPA certified interpreter holding an EIPA certificate of 4.0 or above shall not be required to retest, unless the certification is expired or lapsed 90 days or more beyond the expiration date of the credential card, as required under R 393.5092.Mich. Admin. Code R. 393.5026