Extra Language Support Provided to Newly Resettled Afghan Students

Minnesota K-12 students around the state begin their summer breaks this month.  Schools have faced a number of incredible challenges the past few years, from COVID-19 remote learning, to global, domestic and community conflict and trauma.  Although the buildings may be empty of students, the district offices, teachers and staff continue to address the mental, emotional and physical health needs of their students within and beyond the classroom.    

This academic year many Minnesota schools were directly involved in the resettlement of displaced Afghan children and their families. Through our language services work with school social workers, secretaries and other school staff, our Dari and Pashto interpreters witnessed the support system schools created for these new students.  For Limited English Proficient (LEP) students, language access support through interpreting and translation is a critical piece of their learning experience and education outcomes. We have seen first-hand how Minnesota schools have prioritized their LEP students’ language needs time and again.  

We bear witness to the courage, determination and resilience found every day in our Minnesota school communities.  We wish all a happy summer, and the very best for the 2022-23 school year.