Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction STATEMENT OF SCOPE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE RULES | LEGISLATIVE POLICY & OUTREACH TEAM ATTN: ERIN FATH 266-2804 or adminrules@dpi.wi.gov |
GENERAL INFORMATION |
Rule No. PI 34 | Relating to Eligibility for 5-year, educational interpreter license | Rule Type Permanent |
SIGNATURE |
State Superintendent Review ☐ Approved. Begin Drafting Rule ☐ Disapproved. Reason for Disapproval | State Superintendent Signature ➢ | Date Signed Mo./Day/Yr. |
NARRATIVE |
1. Finding/nature of the emergency (Emergency Rule only). N/A |
2. A description of the objective of the proposed rule. The proposed rule seeks to amend ch. PI 34 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code with respect to eligibility requirements for the 5-year, renewable educational interpreter license. The proposed rule will clarify that evidence of work experience as an educational interpreter in a PK-12 setting may be accepted in lieu of the practicum requirement in order to be eligible for a license under s. PI 34.086 (2) (b) or (3) (b). |
3. A description of the existing policies and new policies included in the proposed rule and an analysis of policy alternatives. Chapter PI 34 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code contains the rules governing the licensure of school personnel, including those holding a 5-year, renewable license to work as an educational interpreter under s. PI 34.086. Under the current rule, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria to obtain a license: 1) hold an interpreter training program certificate from an accredited 2- or 4-year college or university; 2) completed a practicum of at least 150 hours in grades pre-kindergarten through grade 12 with a licensed educational interpreter assigned as a mentor; and 3) obtain a passing score on the written and educational interpreter performance assessment. Additionally, applicants may meet alternative eligibility criteria to obtain a license: 1) hold a sign language interpreter license issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services as approved by the State Superintendent or certifications from the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf; and 2) complete a practicum of at least 150 hours in grades pre-kindergarten through grade 12 with a licensed educational interpreter assigned as a mentor. The proposed rule will clarify that evidence of work experience as an educational interpreter in a PK-12 setting may be accepted in lieu of the practicum requirement to be eligible for a license under s. PI 34.086 (2) (b) or (3) (b). Without a rule, the department would be required to implement the rule as it currently exists, and applicants would be required to meet current eligibility criteria to obtain a license. |
4. The statutory authority for the proposed rule. Under. 118.19 (1), Wis. Stats., any person seeking to teach in a public school, including a charter school, or in a school or institution operated by a county or the state shall first procure a license or permit from the department. Under Wis. Stat. s. 115.28 (7) (a) the superintendent of public instruction shall make rules establishing standards of attainment and procedures for the examination and licensing of teachers within the limits prescribed in ss. 118.19 (2) and (3), 118.191, 118.192, 118.193, 118.194, and 118.195. |
5. An estimate of the amount of time agency employees will spend developing the proposed rule and of other resources needed to develop the rule. The amount of time needed for rule development by department staff and the amount of other resources necessary are indeterminate. |
6. A description of all of the entities that will be affected by the proposed rule. This rule change will affect internal DPI staff and associations representing educational interpreters. |
7. A summary and preliminary comparison of any existing or proposed federal regulation that addresses or is intended to address the activities to be regulated by the proposed rule. N/A |
8. Anticipated economic impact of implementing the rule (note if the rule is likely to have a significant economic impact on small businesses). The proposed rule will have no significant economic impact on small businesses, as defined in s. 227.114 (1), Stats. |
