The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is legally mandated to ensure language access for public and charter school Limited English Proficient (LEP) students and their families. Schools that receive federal funds must also have a Language Access Plan (LAP) in place.
The need for language access support in all areas of education continues to grow. A 2019 National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) report found 8.6% of Minnesota’s public-school students were English Learners (ELs). The NCES cites research that shows participation in language access programs can improve both English language proficiency and positive education outcomes.
Districts should utilize professional interpreters whenever possible to meet their federal, state, and local requirements. Trained interpreters provide dual language accuracy and are skilled at navigating cultural differences. The U.S. Departments of Education and Justice also direct schools to use trained interpreters when interacting with LEP parents and guardians. These interpreters should be familiar with any specialized terms and services and follow a code of ethics and demonstrate professional conduct.
To date, there are no national standards for interpreters in schools. The University of Minnesota’s Program in Translation and Interpreting and the MDE created a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for Educational Interpreters of Spoken Languages in 2015. The authors intended for it to be a collaborative guide and consensus builder for the language services industry. The Upper Midwest Interpreters and Translators Association (UMTIA) is also an excellent resource for education interpreters.
We are proud to be a State of Minnesota approved language services provider. Our trained interpreters work with school districts throughout the state, and adhere to all professional codes of conduct, ethics, and confidentiality guidelines. Contact us now or visit our website to learn more.