Children do better in school when their parents are involved, but for parents who speak a language other than English, navigating the school system can be tough. This is especially true for the 1 in 5 U.S. residents who speak a language other than English at home. Language barriers make it hard for these parents to communicate with educators and access important information about their child’s education.
Many schools are not using interpreters as much as they should, which can lead to children from language minority families falling behind. Under federal law, schools are required to provide language services to parents who do not speak English proficiently. This is not just a legal requirement, but a moral imperative to ensure that all students have equal access to education.
Professional interpreters play a crucial role in bridging the communication gap between schools and non-English speaking families. By translating important documents and providing interpreters for every conversation with parents, schools can ensure that all families are informed and involved in their child’s education. Establishing a comprehensive language access plan and advocating for better investment in language services are also key steps in supporting language minority families.
It’s time for schools and districts to prioritize language support for non-English speaking families to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to succeed. By working together to provide comprehensive language access, we can help all children reach their full potential, regardless of the language spoken at home.
