NCJ Number
178580
Date Published
1998
Length
69 pages
Annotation
Potential benefits of systematic efforts to exchange information regarding the improvement of court interpreter services and possibilities for operational coordination were studied during 6 months of work sessions involving the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.
Abstract
The project followed the establishment of the Consortium for State Court Interpreter Certification to provide for and regulate the exchange of existing test instruments and to develop new tests of court interpreter proficiency. This Consortium has emerged as a forum for systematic information sharing and coordinated planning for test development and standards, as well as operational coordination among States. The NCSC staff concluded after the 6 months of work sessions that State and Federal interests intersect in many areas of problems, needs, and possible solutions. Federal and State courts share important common needs with respect to recruitment, training, and testing of interpreters to expand the pool of qualified individuals, except in the Spanish language. Recommended actions include continued use of the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination testing program as a criterion for identifying expert interpreters to use as test developers and test raters for State testing programs in Spanish, as well a consideration by Federal courts of membership and participation in the Consortium. 10 additional recommendations