Meeting & Agendas

WECM standardizes all workforce education courses in Texas. Course names, numbers and titles will be uniform throughout the state of Texas denoting standard student outcomes, course descriptions and minimum requirements.

The cost of maintaining labs is costly and students pay more in fees. The department would like to keep lab fees/costs within our budget; at present, no lab fees are currently being charged.

He would like for Austin to set up a Mentoring program. Portland has a great program-charge company for Interpreters (a coach, and pay a little bit more and the cost of the Mentee is reduced-the Mentee goes to class). Byron also expressed concerns about community interpreting mentoring. Deborah will schedule a separate meeting with Viscom (Feb. 2nd, @ 2pm).

Meeting adjourned at 3:15pm.

Texas requires signing skills before students begin interpreting classes. Programs need more skills support offered through the school. Byron advised students finish ASL levels I-IV before beginning interpreting classes. The IPP program is currently not meeting the needs of Interpreters.

BEI has started SEE2 testing but the department doesn't have anyone to teach it. At present, the program is still not meeting job market needs. One solution is to obtain an Interpreter from within the community to provide the voicing part (for Levels IV & V) for students to be able to ask questions (mentoring is crucial).

There is a need for another F-Time ASL Instructor or assistant to support Byron. There is a future position in the works but nothing solid (student need is vital to justify another position).

It is still difficult to find Interpreters/Trainers. Salaries are competitive at ACC and vary depending on education.

San Antonio College graduates only BEI level one students. The ASL Studies Certificate is geared towards those who work with Deaf personnel and just need basic signing skills. Questions were raised regarding Saturday programs (not classes) currently being held in San Antonio and whether Austin could do the same. This idea needs to be researched to consider what educational resources ACC has to conduct teleconferences and work on-line; or whether local experts should be hired instead.

We have people willing to do actual presentations but not the logistics. The SEE2 workshop might be offered a few times a year. Deborah and Holly stated inadequate funds and 'time' are factors in scheduling workshops. Byron will have release time to recruit in Spring 2001 and will look into video relay training.

Internship students need assistance with placement. Holly volunteered to accept some Interns and stated Interns would be placed with a certified Interpreter (she also has a Round Rock contact). Byron reiterated the need to make sure interns had support; and also presented the idea of ACC considering a college-to-college exchange student program. Some students are not interested in doing educational interpreting; they only want to do community work interpreting (60 Hours = 40 observation; 20 interpreting and partnering). Deborah suggested providing Intern packets to employers. Holding Panel interviews or 'Internship' night were also suggested as options. Byron has not had time to recruit but stated classes are more diversified.

Byron will be contacting employers about student volunteering opportunities (Interpreting students have to observe other Interpreters regarding settings, professionalism, etc.). Deborah offered her location as an observation site for Interns. Both employers and students tend to have problems with 'time' when doing observations. ACC allows Interpreters to use their 'work' hours.