Supporting Families: Schools Must Improve Language Barrier Assistance
It is widely recognized that parental involvement in a child’s education leads to better academic outcomes and social adjustment. However, navigating the school system can be daunting, especially for the 1 in 5 U.S. residents who speak a language other than English at home. Language barriers present significant challenges for parents with limited English proficiency (LEP), making it difficult for them to communicate with educators, access information about services, and advocate for their children effectively.
One crucial aspect of bridging this communication gap is the use of school interpreters. While public, magnet, and charter schools are required by law to offer language services, many schools are not utilizing interpreters as much as they should. This lack of access to interpreters puts children of LEP families at risk of falling through the cracks and not receiving the support they need to succeed academically.
Under federal law, schools are mandated to communicate important information to LEP parents in a language they can understand. This not only benefits the parents and their children but also enhances the overall educational experience for teachers, classmates, and the district as a whole. By providing language services, schools can ensure that every family has equal access to essential information and services, regardless of the language they speak at home.
Helen Sweeney, a parent of four and a certified interpreter, emphasizes the positive impact of effective communication in educational settings. She highlights how even simple explanations of school policies or instructions can prevent children from falling behind academically. For parents of students with disabilities, understanding processes such as obtaining a 504 plan or an individualized education program (IEP) is crucial for ensuring their child’s educational needs are met. Without proper language access, parents may struggle to navigate these processes, leading to potential challenges and the need for additional resources in the future.
To improve communication with LEP families, schools and districts can take proactive steps to ensure comprehensive language access. Translating all priority communications into the languages spoken by LEP families is essential for keeping parents informed about important school information. Additionally, making professional interpreters available for every conversation with parents can help facilitate clear and effective communication.
Establishing and implementing a language access plan, along with providing training for staff on language access policies, can further enhance communication efforts. By ensuring that everyone in the school or district understands how to access language services and when to use them, educators can better serve the diverse needs of their students and families. Advocating for increased investment in language access programs in education is also crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.
In conclusion, it is imperative that schools prioritize improving language barrier assistance to support families from diverse linguistic backgrounds. By utilizing interpreters, translating important documents, and implementing comprehensive language access plans, schools can ensure that all families have equal access to educational opportunities and resources. Together, we can work towards a future where language barriers do not hinder a child’s ability to receive a quality education and thrive academically.
