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Generalist WrittenI took a class from Signs of Development - the NIC Interview Test Prep class last year. It ended last December and the earliest I could get in to test was June of this year. I just got my results back a few days ago (I had to wait 6 months and 6 days - everyday seemed like forever), and have successfully passed the NIC!!! It is all thanks to you and your awesome program. I truly couldn't have done it without your class and guidance. I remember that you said during our study group time to "Trust the process" and even though I was nervous I passed with flying colors and couldn't wait to tell you and to thank you. Your great, and I have been telling everyone about your classes. As soon as I tell them I passed or they have congratulated me, I have mentioned you and Signs of Development immediately afterwards - hope business takes off for you. You deserve it!!! Thanks again - I can't say it enough - thanks. - Tonya Thimons Hello, Lynne, My husband and I are both on a waiting list to take the CI/CT performance tests at Maryville College in Tennessee. We both passed our written test on the first try. We were in your study group on-line a couple years ago, and the discussions and questions you posed were a GREAT preparation! We had a weekly study group of ten people. Three of us decided to sign up for your online group as well. All three of us passed on our first attempt at the test. A fourth lady passed (by one point)... Nobody else did. Hallelujah, we're believers!!!! Now, on to the performance testing! We don't know when we'll be contacted that Maryville College has openings, so we want to be prepared whenever they contact us. How do we go about getting involved in your performance test preparation? I didn't see any detailed information in the newsletter (except for "contact us," which I'm officially doing now! smile). We put it off in December and were sorry we did. We're watching lots of video tapes and DVDs, are with deaf a lot, but we need the help of someone like you to help us "tweak" problem spots. Can you let me know how we can get involved in this latest mentoring program?
Thanks! Hi Lynne, I just wanted to let you know that I took the PACE study group back in the end of June and I finally took the NIC computerized test in October and PASSED! This was very exciting for me because I had taken the generalist test the last time it was offered and missed passing by 6 questions. I think the group helped a lot and I used the practice test that was issued at the end of the class as some last minute studying tools, even though I read "So You Want to Be an Interpreter" again too. I am now planning to take the interview and performance in the early spring. Thank you for your assistance!
Mary Ahrendt Hi Just wanted to let you know I got my test results, and I passed. Yippee!! I have taken the RID written test twice, and failed. I am glad, I participated in your study group. I felt if I was not involved, I would have not passed the written test at all. Thank you very much. I'm so happy!!! I pass Cinderella Branch Dear Lynne: This past September I received an email advertising a study group to prepare for the RID Generalist Written Test. I was fearful of taking the test and wasn't sure I was ready to put myself out there for chance of failure. After many hours of contemplating this issue I decided to send in the $100.00 to you and to "bite the bullet". Immediately after mailing the check I was relieved I decided to go through with the study group to see where it would take me. Having already decided I would be no worse for the wear because studying about my profession would only help me as well as the people I work with in the long run. I have been in an online study group before so I was aware of how the process would work, so after the initial introductory emails from my study mates the class began. We were sent questions to engage us in a thought-provoking manner and in a way also to push our minds outside of the box we typically keep ourselves. After receiving the first set of questions the routine was to begin. I was to be doing reading, researching and discussing with my study mates and to have some guidance from you, Lynne. After posting our first set of answers we received hints or furthering questions to guide us further into our thought process. The supplementary questions and probing questions caused us to delve deeper into our profession and was what ultimately helped me find the way. At this point I do not know if I passed our failed this test. But what I do know, I reached my first goal, to take the test. That was a huge step for me. If (when) I pass this test then that is icing on the cake for me. Just being able to be in a study group with very competent interpreters and being able to share ideas, stories and philosophies with each other was an added bonus as well as beneficial for me to take this test. The discussing and reading from the fellow study mates and the added input from Lynne was the added piece I needed. I have found through this process of reading everyone's response we each have a different way to express ourselves and I was able to glean from many of my study mates by reading their responses and stories. We all have different study habits and learning styles. With this type of study group I felt several learning styles were met. I would highly recommend this study group for anyone interested in taking the Generalist Written Test for RID. During your reading, researching and discussing you begin to own the information and that is when you learn. No matter whether I passed or not I learned from this group and am a better professional because of it. Bite the bullet like I did and take the class and test! Treva Ullom, Interpreter Facilitator USD #233 Dear Lynne, I passed! Thank you so much for your mentoring! I just wanted you to know that even though I was not 'active' in the class, it did help me prepare tremendously. Currently, I am in my first semester as a full-time doctoral student in audiology, so I'm sure you can relate to my time constraints. I've also never formally studied interpreting in any ITP program or even been able to find much work (with my busy schedule, and without the certification), so I was very nervous about my preparation level for even tackling this exam. While this course did not give me all the answers, it did help me to at least have exposure to the terminology on the exam. It was a great feeling when nothing on the exam was completely foreign to me, and therefore, I did not panic when taking it! Kudos to your program! Thank you, Lynne: YAHOO!! I passed my written test! (and with flying colors) With the step by step approach to preparation and study through your mentorship program, it greatly reduced the anxiety of taking the written test. Thank you for making it so painless, it was definitely worth every penny. Eternally grateful.
Cheryl Drummond Lynne and fellow group members, I received my test results and I past the written exam!! I scored 105. It has been a pleasure studying with the group and all the input really helped a lot and I am thankful!! Lynne, I am very thankful for your insight on the information concerning the test, strategies for test taking, and your philosophy of "owning the information" ( this was probably the biggest help). The money I paid was a great investment to my career as an interpreter.
...Thanks a ton!!! Dear Lynne, I joined the group because I wanted the best preparation I could get for this test, and the track record you noted about how all of your previous students in a recent testing cycle passed the test, combined with what I knew beforehand about you and Signs of Development, were convincing. In the end, yes, I was glad that I did it as there was definitely a certain structure to the material that helped me to focus on it better, I think, than if I were left to my own devices. I also got to see how some other people would apply their varied backgrounds to answer the same questions that were posed to me, and could interact with them if I wanted more information, or had a different point-of-view. I was glad, too, to get some feedback on my own responses to the questions posed just so I'd know how near to, or far from, the mark I really was. All in all, this was a very worthwhile experience for me as I got a resource of questions, answers and analysis to refer to as I prepare for this important test; was able to meet (at least on-line) some other people around the country who are pursuing the same profession that I am, and trying to better themselves in the process; and, perhaps most important, had an experienced hand to guide me in my preparations. Bram Hi Lynne, First of all, GOOD LUCK on the 15th!! If you would like to use my comments re: the study group, please feel free to do so. I left the test feeling pretty good, the questions did not come as a complete surprise (though there were some I did have to guess on!) and I know I would have struggled a lot more without the study group. I have always had a difficult time memorizing dates and facts, but because we did all the research ourselves, with your guidance, I UNDERSTOOD the information and how it applied to the profession. The test became not so much a test of memory, but one of APPLYING what I already knew. The online study group was a tremendous help in preparing and feeling confident for the test. Thanks! Are there other online groups/classes for the performance test or other topics which provide CEUs? I'd be very interested. Jeanne Knickelbine The PACE study group has been the best investment I've made in my interpreting career. My successful involvement in the study group for the RID written test, June 2003, and the continued work for my performance tests will make my dream of RID certification become a reality.
Pat Smartt, hi, i took the test last saturday and even if i didn't pass the test, i realized how much the study group helped me. i learned so much and felt good about the test. the mock test covered a lot that was on the test itself. the thing that was so helpful for me was seeing everyones postings, because that seemed to put it and keep it in my head. if i had to study on my own, it would have been much more difficult for me. i was not able to post every week, but i was reading all the emails daily. i set up a book with all the responses that i felt were good for studying and will keep it for future reference. this was the first time i had taken a class on line and was hesitate at first. it turned out to be an awesome experience. i want to personally thank you and pat for your time and patience with the group and some of my silly questions. again, thank you and i hope i will be able to email back and tell you i passed the test. elyse schochet Hello Lynne, This Mentoring Program was a blessing to me. It help me to focus on specific topics. Before I joined this group, I was only reading and things were not sinking in. This group study helped me to focus and learn different perspectives from others in the group. It also challenged me to DIG and by digging and having to type and email my answers help to seal the information more in my mind. I am thankful for the group no matter the outcome of my test because it was a great learning experience for me. Thanks Lynne. "...I am very interested in the classes you will be offering. Your site is packed with great information and I definitely plan on using your services. What a great idea. This is many interpreters dream come true."
Thank you for such a great service, Hello Lynne, I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the online preparation study groups! I've recommended them to everyone. Once, while in a restaurant talking to a date about signing and the online course, someone in the next booth overheard... and introduced herself... She was an interpreter that was not yet certified and worried about the test. I told her about Signs-of-development.org and all the wonderful study groups you offer. I know I havent completed all 8 units of the CDI study group yet. I did turn in three units so far, hoping I could get some fraction of credit for that... I do plan to continue with the study group, but at a later date. It is my long term goal, to become certified as a deaf interpreter. Please keep me on the mailing lists for information and updates.
Thank you! CDIThank you for giving me the opportunity to join your study group for the RID Written Test. I was skeptical at first not knowing how it could apply to CDI. After intensive studying, researching and responding to all questions I gained a wealth of knowledge internally as I went along. I would not have made it without the encouragement of two staff members who made me get out of the cubicle hole and expand further. The positive comments, the mock test and the test taking strategies were of tremendous beneficial to me. Coming from a rural area where the study group and/or support group was lacking, it was a blessing to have access to the on-line study group. Thank you for making that possible, too!
With great appreciation, Lynne, I am honored that you asked me of this. Even though, I did not participate much but I did read most of other comments and studied. Actually, I barely made it.... 81 points and in order to pass is 79 or above. The questions I had trouble are the questions relating to deaf (CDI) interpreting and I studied hard for "hearing" interpreting test. What I should have done is to look for items relating to CDI and those are the questions that I missed. But lots of other questions in general, I answered easily is because of the study group. It really helped me alot. Thank you. I took the test through reading not from the video through signing. I do have farily good English (reading) skills. You are right about questions being very tricky. Yes, It was my first time. When I finished it.... I knew I was in borderline of failing or passing because I counted the questions I was not sure the answers of and it was 20 of them and to my surprised I passed it. But then again, I really think that the study group has helped me to prepare for the rest of the questions (about 80%). Thank you and again for making this possible.
Yours, PACE Mentoring program is a wonderful resource for support and provided me with necessary tools to pass the CDI test. It also provided a great way to be aware of different issues from many states who participated in this program. I strongly encouraged you to consider this wonderful tool!
Good luck to future CDI! PerformanceSeptember 2004 I began work on my BA through Ottawa University, Kansas City and will graduate in April 2005 with a BA in Management of Interpreters. Next step, take the CI. I am walking through this one step at a time. Thank you Lynne, for your great and wise advice. You were of great support and help.
Eternally grateful, SC:LI feel much more prepared now for the SC:L written exam, I've had a great time learning with my colleagues, and I have a stockpile of valuable information from our work in my saved emails. This was a very beneficial experience. Tracy Norris The PACE Legal Written Test Study Group provided me with a disciplined framework for preparing for the SC:L Written Test. Through the weekly tasks, I was able to better assess what I did and did not know. The online format promoted an active interchange with interpreters from other parts of the country, with a side benefit of developing a relationship with others striving for the same goal!
Rita Dennis The PACE online study group for the written portion of the SC:L not only increased my knowledge base considerably, but also taught me strategies for research and test-taking, allowed for the easy sharing of experience between colleagues around the country, and gave me a huge boost of confidence as I approach sitting for RID's written legal test. Natalie Atlas Lynne, Thanks for a great class! Everything about it was excellent. It has prepared me in more was imaginable.
Warm Regards, Mentoring
Jacqueline Kimel, Executive Director Lynne Eighinger would be a tremendous asset to your organization! .She is a highly skilled, multiple certified, sign language interpreter; an accomplished interpreter training/ASL workshop presenter who's presentations always intrigue, excite, captivate and equip participants; developer of state-wide certification system (N.C.); and superb evaluator of interpreting/transliterating skills, strengths and weaknesses.
Daniel G. Campbell, In 2003, I made up my mind that more than anything in this world I wanted to be a RID Certified Interpreter. I found out about Signs of Development. I went to the web-site and saw Keith there. I had been to some w/shop that he was at and I thought he was such an awesome person and I knew he was a good teacher. I started asking around about Lynne. Out of 7 people everyone of them said this about her "she is good and she knows her stuff." So I did the 6 months mentorship. This is what I have to say about the program.
Good Luck WWWorkshops
Deb Moore "Signs of Development, LLC" wrote: Hi Paulette, I just wanted to drop you a note to say Thanks for nice comments regarding Keith Cagle and our WWWorkshops! We are very pleased with all of the workshops and things are really starting to blossom :) I'm glad you enjoyed the 1000 ASL Faces, with each new workshop produced, our technical development staff is improving the quality of each workshop, adding all kinds of new features! Just wanted to say thanks for "plugging our work" and if you need anything let me know.
Warm regards, ----- Original Message ----- From: Paulette Knarr To: Signs of Development, LLC Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2001 11:23 PM Subject: Re: Hi and Thanks!
You are welcome! And, too, as an educational interpreter, I am appreciative of the fact that someone is finally recognizing the importance of our field and that ed terps are often isolated and need access to a variety of training and skill building and that Signs of Development acknowledges us with the focus of some of its training materials. Of course, by doing this, your firm is acknowledging its commitment to the deaf community. (Oh my, I'm getting sappy...but its true!) I am currently saving my pennies for the fingerspelling tapes...(from the description I've heard my imagination is running wild!). Thank you for the thank you! (You are free to use my comments as you see fit.)
"I wanted to comment on the Fingerspelling CD workshop that Deb was talking about. I borrowed it from a friend of mine. I am able to get the CEUs too...and I didn't have to buy the CD. I just have to pay for the CEUs. I think it's $4.95 per CEU...I'll have to check, but I think that's right. Anyway, I was floored!! The workshop has this really cool viewer (QuickTime), and you watch the presenter sign a sentence, then below it, it has a close up of just his hand...well three close up's actually... and you can click on each close up to see the word at real speed, then at 50% speed, then at 25% speed. WOW WOW WOW!! Talk about great practice. The thing that struck me about this particular workshop, was that it wasn't the "normal" someone standing up and signing "This is how you sign this"...and blah blah...It wasn't boring! It was like the presenter was talking to you, taking you on a journey. Which brings me to the stories in the car!! You watch the guy signing to someone driving a car... it looks as though you're sitting in the back seat and you have all the environmental things to contend with, like the sun shining or shadows etc. Then the angle changes and it's like you're the driver. How many times have you been driving with a deaf friend or client and couldn't get all of what they were signing because you had to keep one eye on the road?? Again, great practice!" Interpreting
Thank you, On-Site PresentationsI will surely enjoy this and I am so pleased that Signs of Development has developed this. I was also pleased to learn that Signs of Development is developing more of these types of CD's on a variety of subjects. This will be very helpful to me. I certainly will share my enjoyable experience with others. Thank you, Lynne and Keith, you are both top-notch presenters!"
Sincerely, "I am a first year interpreting student and so that you will not think that I am an inexperienced person, I will let you in on my background. I am a Professional Photographer (22 years in business) and the owner and leasor of other businesses housed in my complex. Now I am adding to that line of experience - student interpreter. I had the pleasure of being present at Interpreter Mentorship Program put on by Heartland Deaf Center in Peoria, Illinois. Lynne Eighiner was the speaker --- well --- I was completely "awed" by the information she shared and the professional way that she conducted the lecture. It was friendly, non-judgemental, informative, concise, entertaining and thought provoking. I came away with a renewed energy for my chosen profession. She imparted a kindness that is rare in most professions and I feel honored that I was allowed to benefit from this seminar. Thank you, Signs of Development, for giving the new interpreting students this shining example of what a great interperter can be and how we can achieve it." Sincerely, Connie Miyler Based on the patterns of errors and weaknesses she observed, Lynne provided workshops to address these areas, and has planned a more formal schedule of workshops for the coming year. I, and my colleagues, have been very pleased with Lynne's efficiency, organizational skills, and quality of work. I feel she would do an excellent job for your organization in any similar capacity.
Meredith Schainblatt, Supervisor General
Thank you for such a great service,
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