Limited English Proficient Students and Families Benefit from Language Access Support in K-12 Education Settings
Minnesota’s K-12 schools hold their fall Parent-Teacher conferences next month, and for many limited English proficient (LEP) families, the conference may be their first point of contact with both teachers and school staff. The National Association of Educational Translators and Interpreters of Spoken Languages (NAETISL) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice document details the importance of professional language services in education and the impact on family engagement and student achievement.
There is ongoing uncertainty and confusion surrounding national, state and local language access requirements in public education. The Minnesota Department of Education’s (MDE) guide for parents and families new to the U.S. provides important information on K-12 education access and rights. If language access programs and resources are reduced or eliminated, Minnesota’s students, their families and school communities will be at a great disadvantage. Our language professionals support district language access plans, serve as cultural navigators, and help to build trust with LEP students and their families.
Our highly qualified interpreters and translators adhere to a code of ethics and demonstrate professional conduct in all settings. In additional to conferences, our work with Minnesota’s schools and districts includes LEP general communications, distance learning, special education and due process, physical and occupational therapy, and early childhood programs. We offer several language delivery options including in person, face-to-face, video remote and telephone interpreting. Contact us to learn more.