Students in this class will learn an introduction to translation, interpretation, and language access and the skills and knowledge needed to work in schools, health care, courts, and other settings. They will learn about the foundational principles of the field as well as career options across industries. Students will also learn how to adhere to the code of ethics and standards of practice for interpreters. The course also gives practice in different types of interpreting—like consecutive, simultaneous, phone, virtual, and sight translation. Students will have an opportunity to shadow and/or observe interpreters in the field in at least one of these areas: court interpretation, government service, educational setting interpretation, phone interpretation, and in-person or virtual interpretation.

Students will be responsible for transportation to off-campus sites. If transportation is a concern, see the course instructor.

Students who also pass language proficiency exams for both English and their language of choice, will have the opportunity to receive an RPS interpreter certification. This certification may qualify students to interpret at RPS in informal settings and during school events.

Note: This course provides ELECTIVE CREDIT and DOES NOT satisfy a World Language credit.

This elective is offered as a way to meet the specific needs of selected students. This course will not serve as a substitute of a required course. The following are the steps necessary for enrolling in an independent study program:

1. The student will obtain an independent study application from the counseling office.
2. The student will submit a detailed outline of the project to the teacher under whom he/she wishes to work.
3. The proposal will then be submitted to the department chairperson and the principal for their approval.
4. For honors option, the student must also petition the Gifted Services specialist for approval.

Honors credit is limited to a total of one (1.0) credit during Grades 11-12. A written evaluation of each independent study project must be submitted by the supervising teacher through the department chairperson to the principal before credit is awarded. A course number will be assigned according to subject area.

Expectations:

• Students must arrive on time and check in with staff each day. Attendance will be taken and unexcused absences will be marked.
• It is mandatory that all information heard in the office/work area is kept confidential.
• Students are expected to follow the rules established at the high school. Once the assigned work is complete, arrangements will be made with the supervising staff for the next assignment.
• Students will do the work assigned by the supervising staff person in a professional, effective manner.
• Students should not work in teacher offices unless specifically instructed to do so. Staff and administration will determine appropriate work areas for students based on the type of work being done and equipment needed.
• Students are expected to remain available throughout the hour they are assigned to provide service to other offices/teachers.
• Students may provide assistance in a number of ways, but they may not be involved in any activities that involve access to teachers’ gradebooks or the online grading system.

Mentorship in the Community is for students in grades 11 or 12 who want to learn a new skill, develop an interest, or explore a career field under the supervision of a specialist in the community. Mentorship is an individualized learning experience outside the normal classroom and provides challenges beyond the traditional high school curriculum. Mentorship is an honors credit course and requires a commitment of a minimum of 60 hours with the mentor. The student must fulfill all of the mentorship responsibilities as outlined by the Student Mentorship Handbook. Mentorships are unpaid. If offered a paid mentorship, students may request approval from the mentorship teacher at their high school. Mentors cannot be monetarily compensated. All mentorships will be handled on an individual basis. The student must exhibit maturity, responsibility, and commitment to the mentor's expectations.

Procedures for enrolling in the mentorship program:

1. Interested students must register with the Advanced Learning Specialists. Priority will be given to seniors.
2. Application materials must be completed and approved prior to any placement. Approval DOES NOT guarantee placement.
3. First the specialist arranges the placement; then the student will contact the mentor after the successful completion of orientation.
4. Family members of mentorship students are not permitted to serve as mentors for that student.

The Rochester School District recommends and recognizes quality volunteer service learning by documenting approved service learning experiences on the student's official transcript. This elective option is available to any 9th through 12th grader who engages in a 20-hour service learning experience at one community site in the course of one school year. Each student must meet the following minimum requirements to receive a transcript certification for each service learning experience. Applications are available from the Service Learning Facilitator.

1. Attendance at a one-hour orientation seminar prior to the service learning experience.
2. Pre-approval of proposed experience and community site.
3. One 20-hour service learning experience at one site in the course of one school year.
4. Written reflection.
5. Attendance at a three-hour reflection seminar.
6. Final approval of certification of service.

Note: Students who successfully complete the nursing home component of Nursing Assistant, Community Awareness Program (CAP), Introduction to K-12 Teaching as a Profession (CIS), or Exploring the Teaching Profession II (CIS) will automatically earn the service learning certification.