The purpose of this review is to investigate sign language assessments in use as a tool for evaluating the linguistic abilities for job related requirements for bilingual professionals. Each corresponding sign language assessment will be discussed in terms of its original purpose, content, how it is used today, followed by a discussion of its psychometric properties via strengths and weaknesses. In some cases, when available, a discussion of the background in regards to test development will be given. Psychometrically sound assessments will allow a more consistent evaluation of the professionals who support the Deaf community. In terms of research, having normed measures will lead to an increase in research to improve pedagogical practices and the delivery of educational services.
References
[1]
Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada (AVLIC). (n.d.). Canadian Evaluation System. http://www.avlic.ca/ces
[2]
Bochner, J. H., Samar, V. J., Hauser, P. C., Garrison, W. M., Searls, J. M., & Sanders, C. A. (2016). Validity of the American Sign Language Discrimination Test. Language Testing, 33, 473-495. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265532215590849
[3]
Boers-Visker, E., van den Broek-Laven, A., & van den Bogaerde, B. (2014). Determining Aspects of Text Difficulty for the Sign Language of the Netherlands (NGT) Functional Assessment Instrument. Language Testing and Assessment, 3, 53-75.
[4]
Bontempo, K., & Levitzke-Gray, P. (2009). Interpreting Down under: Sign Language Interpreter Education and Training in Australia. International Perspectives on Sign Language Interpreter Education, 149-170.
[5]
Caccamise, F. (2008). SLPI Paper #9: Scoring the Consistency of Your SLPI Team Members’ Rating. https://www.rit.edu/ntid/slpi/sites/rit.edu.ntid.slpi/files/page_file_ attachments/SLPIUseReliability.pdf
[6]
Caccamise, F., & Newell, W. (2010). Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI): American Sign Language (SLPI: ASL). Scheduling and Interview Procedures. http://www.ntid.rit.edu/slpi
[7]
Caccamise, F., & Newell, W. (2015a). Paper 2: What Is the SLPI Rating Scale? https://www.rit.edu/slpi/faq
[8]
Caccamise, F., & Newell, W. (2015b). SLPI Paper 5: SLPI Training Workshop (WS) & Follow up Services. http://www.rit.edu/ntid/slpi
[9]
Caccamise, F., Newell, W., & Mitchell-Caccamise, M. (1983). Use of the Sign Language Proficiency Interview for Assessing the Sign Communicative Competence of Louisiana School for the Deaf Dormitory Counselor Applicants. Journal of the Academy of Rehabilitative Audiology, 16, 283-304.
[10]
Canale, M., & Swain, M. (1980). Theoretical Bases of Communicative Approaches to Second Language Teaching and Testing. Applied Linguistics, 1, 1. https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/I.1.1
[11]
European Centre for Modern Languages of the Council of Europe. (n.d.) Sign Languages and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. http://www.ecml.at/ECML-Programme/Programme2012-2015/ProSign/Assessment/tabid/1766/Default.aspx
[12]
Gallaudet University ASL Diagnostic and Evaluation Services. (n.d.) ASLPI American Sign Language Proficiency Interview. http://www.gallaudet.edu/asl-diagnostic-and-evaluation-services/aslpi
[13]
Haug, T. (2005). Review of Sign Language Assessment Instruments. Sign Language & Linguistics, 8, 61-98. https://doi.org/10.1075/bct.14.04hau
[14]
He, A. W., & Young, R. (1998). Language Proficiency Interviews: A Discourse Approach. In R. Young, & A. W. He (Eds.), Talking and Testing: Discourse Approaches to the Assessment of Oral Proficiency (Book 14, pp. 1-24), John Benjamins Publishing Company. https://doi.org/10.1075/sibil.14.02he
[15]
Jacobowitz, E. L. (2007). A Look at Teaching Standards in ASL Teacher Preparation Programs. Sign Language Studies, 8, 4-41. https://doi.org/10.1353/sls.2007.0030
[16]
Lucas, C., & Valli, C. (1992). Language Contact in the American Deaf Community. San Diego: Academic Press Inc.
[17]
Maller, S., Singleton, J., Supalla, S., & Wix, T. (1999). The Development and Psychometric Properties of the American Sign Language Proficiency Assessment (ASL-PA). Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 4, 249-269. https://doi.org/10.1093/deafed/4.4.249
[18]
Morere, D., & Allen, T. (2012). Assessing Literacy in Deaf Individuals: Neurocognitive Measurement and Predictors. New York: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-5269-0
[19]
Napier, J. (2004). Sign Language Interpreter Training, Testing, and Accreditation: An International Comparison. American Annals of the Deaf, 149, 350-359. https://doi.org/10.1353/aad.2005.0007
[20]
National Authority for the Accreditation of Translators & Interpreters (NAATI) (n.d.). Accreditation in Auslan/English Interpreting. https://www.naati.com.au/media/1105/auslan_english_interpreting_information_booklet.pdf
[21]
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (2013). Assessing the Validity and Reliability of the NIC Examination: A Technical Report. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-_HBAap35D1ZWxJY2JoSDRhTk0/view
[22]
Rochester Institute of Technology ASL Training and Evaluation (n.d.). Sign Language Proficiency Interview Services. https://www.rit.edu/ntid/aslte2/
[23]
Rust, J., & Golombok, S. (2009). Modern Psychometrics (3rd ed.). New York: Routledge.
[24]
Sign Language Assessment: Tests of L2 Learning (n.d.). American Sign Language Discrimination Test. http://www.signlang-assessment.info/index.php/american-sign-language-discrimination-test.html
[25]
Signature (n.d.). Career Paths. http://www.signature.org.uk/career-paths