Sorenson VRS IEP Award of Excellence for the Class of 2007

The Sorenson VRS® (SVRS) IEP Award of Excellence, presented by Sorenson Communications, recognizes outstanding Interpreter Education Programs (IEPs). The new annual award identifies programs incorporating VRS tracks into their curriculum and those that continually recognize and respond to the broadening communication needs of the deaf community.

Award Overview

Sorenson Communications is dedicated to supporting excellence in ASL English interpreter education in order to provide the highest-quality professional interpreters in the VRS industry. The SVRS IEP award will recognize outstanding IEPs that go above and beyond routine education, to ensure student outcomes that are commensurate with the entry level positions in the field.

The SVRS IEP Award of Excellence is open to all two and four-year IEP programs. IEPs wishing to apply will report on student outcomes of the graduating class of 2007. All applications will be reviewed and final judging will be conducted by a panel of independent IEP industry experts. Two final winners will be chosen and all decisions regarding the winning applications are final.


Award

Two (2) IEPs meeting the criteria outlined below will each receive the following:
  • $10,000 to be reinvested in the IEP program according to an approved spending plan
  • A trip (airfare, transportation, accommodation, and conference registration) for two IEP program directors or instructors to attend the 2008 Conference for Interpreter Trainers (CIT) Convention, to be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico October 22-25, 2008
  • IEP award recipient recognition at the CIT Convention
  • An award trophy

Award Submission Deadline Extended to September 8, 2003

Online application form deadline date has been extended. The application is available below and must be completed and submitted by the extended deadline of midnight MST September 8, 2008.


Award Notification of Winners

Winning IEPs will be notified on or before September 29, 2008. Sorenson Communications will cover the 2008 CIT Convention registration and travel costs for two (2) IEP faculty members from each winning program to attend the convention.

Winners will be announced and the awards will be presented publicly at the CIT Convention, between October 22 and 25, 2008. Award funds will be distributed to award recipients by November 30, 2008.


Award Criteria

Section 1: Training and Education

VRS Track(s) Offered
Submit an executive summary of the video relay curriculum offered. A sample curriculum overview could include topics such as: VRS introduction and interpreting as a profession (i.e. 1) What a Video Relay Service (VRS) call is and how an interpreter facilitates these types of calls; 2) Using VRS technology in an interpreting environment; 3) Handling various VRS call scenarios; 4) Benefits of working in a VRS environment; and 5) Interactive lab environment in which mock VRS calls are conducted with volunteers from local deaf center); testing certification written and performance preparation; mentoring; etc.

Please note that the above topics are for reference and consideration when submitting the Interpreter Education Program video relay curriculum currently offered. Please describe in detail each video relay-related course currently offered along with the educational objectives.

What Sets Your IEP Apart From Others?
Submit a detailed summary of what your IEP does to distinguish itself from other IEPs and why it should receive the SVRS IEP Award of Excellence.

Language Mentorship Opportunities
Submit an executive summary of language mentoring opportunities for students. The executive summary should answer questions, such as:
  • How long has this program been running?
  • Does your IEP offer mentorship opportunities with schools, agencies, private organizations, or VRS programs?
  • How long does a mentorship opportunity typically last within a semester?
  • How many times do mentorship opportunities appear in the program?
  • How many language mentors are included in the program?
  • What is the student-to-mentor ratio?
  • What analysis tools are utilized to assess program effectiveness?
  • What training sequences and timelines are in effect?
  • What types of language features are assessed?
  • Is there any type of pre-testing or language assessment involved?
Supervised Practicum
Submit an executive summary of supervised student practicum opportunities and processes. A sample outline includes:
  • Practicum outline and guidelines
  • Processes including, but not limited to, the following:
    • Qualifications
    • Interview
    • Pre-assessment
    • Observation
    • Training
    • Goal setting
    • Progress assessment
    • Completion guidelines

Section 2: Accreditation

Proof of Accreditation or Acceptance into the Accreditation Process
Proof of accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE).

Upon receipt of the SVRS IEP Award application, proof of accreditation by the CCIE of your IEP may be required. You may be requested to submit a CCIE letter verifying that the program has applied for or been admitted for candidacy.


Section 3: Intended Use of Award Funds

Intended Use of SVRS IEP Award of Excellence Funds
Submit a detailed explanation of how funds would be used to improve your IEP, should it receive the SVRS IEP Award of Excellence. For example, summaries might include, but would not be limited to, purchases of the following:
  • Additional IEP library books and DVDs - Please list book and DVD titles
  • ELMO projector(s)
  • Video recording equipment
  • Computers equipped with Web cameras
  • Lab equipment
  • Testing tools
Additional uses of funds could include, but would not be limited to, the following:
  • Curriculum revision
  • Practicum enhancement
  • Mentorship enhancement
  • CCIE application an accreditation process, including preparation of the SSR
  • Development of intraprogram evaluation and assessment tools

Section 4: Post Graduation

Graduates Who Have Passed Local Proficiency or National Certification Tests Within Six Months of Program Completion
Submit the following information:
  1. The total number of graduates.
  2. The number of graduates that have either NAD-RID-National Certification tested or have received state quality assurance screening or certification at an advanced or higher level within six months of program completion. Include numbers on those who have taken the test, but are awaiting results.
  3. Include details on the processes the Interpreter Education Program uses to track graduate certification after program completion.
Graduates Gainfully Employed in the Field of Interpreting by November 1, 2007
Submit the following information:
  1. The number of graduates that are gainfully employed in the field of interpreting by November 1, 2007.
  2. Include details on the processes the Interpreter Education Program uses to track graduates to gainful employment.
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