What is the interpreter's role on the IEP team?

What is the interpreter's role on the IEP team?

• A. To grade tests
• B. His or her role on the team is to provide consultation regarding strategies to promote student independence, encourage direct communication across various interactions and interpret content and non-content areas
• C. To discipline students
• D. To provide transportation

Answer: (B)

The point is that the interpreter on an IEP team focuses on communication access and promoting the student’s independence. In practice, this means providing consultation to the team on strategies that help the student participate and communicate directly with others, rather than being sidelined or having information go through intermediaries. The interpreter also handles interpreting both content areas (what is being taught) and non-content areas (social interactions, routines, and other daily communication needs), so the student can engage across all aspects of school life. This role supports the student’s ability to express themselves, understand instructions, and interact with teachers, peers, and family. Interpreters aren’t responsible for grading tests, disciplining students, or providing transportation, which are separate roles and responsibilities.

The point is that the interpreter on an IEP team focuses on communication access and promoting the student’s independence. In practice, this means providing consultation to the team on strategies that help the student participate and communicate directly with others, rather than being sidelined or having information go through intermediaries. The interpreter also handles interpreting both content areas (what is being taught) and non-content areas (social interactions, routines, and other daily communication needs), so the student can engage across all aspects of school life. This role supports the student’s ability to express themselves, understand instructions, and interact with teachers, peers, and family.

Interpreters aren’t responsible for grading tests, disciplining students, or providing transportation, which are separate roles and responsibilities.