DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P.O.
SUPTS. MEMO NO. 229
October 26, 2007
INFORMATIONAL
|
TO: |
Division
Superintendents |
|
FROM: |
Billy K.
Cannaday, Jr. Superintendent
of Public Instruction |
|
SUBJECT: |
Approval of
the Sign Communication Proficiency Interview (SCPI) Assessment as an Option
of Demonstrating Proficiency in American Sign Language |
At their
meeting on October 18, 2007, the Board of Education approved the use of the
Sign Communication Proficiency Interview (SCPI) Assessment as an option for
demonstrating proficiency in American Sign Language. The Licensure
Regulations for School Personnel, effective September 21, 2007, give
individuals seeking an endorsement in American Sign Language the option of meeting
requirements by passing an assessment demonstrating proficiency in American
Sign Language prescribed by the Board. Individuals also would be required to
meet other licensure requirements including professional studies and assessment
requirements.
The SCPI is a
conversational approach to sign language communications skill assessment. The SCPI permits interview content to vary
according to the job responsibilities, background, and interests of each person
interviewed. The goal of the SCPI is to
assess how well people are able to use sign language for their communication
needs, and, as appropriate, to assist people in development of their sign
language communication skills.
The SCPI
involves a one-to-one conversation between the interviewer and
candidate/interviewee, with each interviewee videotaped and subsequently rated
independently by SCPI raters. The basis
for ratings is the SCPI Rating Scale, a standard scale based on a highly
skilled, knowledgeable native/native-like signer. The SCPI assesses American Sign Language as
it is used among skilled sign language communicators in the
The Board of
Education approved the SCPI with a proficiency level of "advanced."
The SCPI assessment is offered at the
If you have
questions regarding the SCPI, please contact Mrs. Patty S. Pitts, assistant
superintendent for teacher education and licensure, patty.pitts@doe.virginia.gov at
(804) 371-2522 or Dr. James W. Lanham, director of licensure, james.lanham@doe.virginia.gov at
(804) 371-2471.
BKCJr/jwl