Parents Call for Translation in Schools

Offering translation in schools can give parents with limited English knowledge  a voice in the school system. And now many families are demanding to have a say.

Spanish-speaking families in New Haven, Conn.,  are calling for more translators and interpreters in the district, according to the New Haven Independent.

Twenty-five percent of students in the New Haven public school system come from Spanish-speaking households. But despite this high number, parents claim that there is not enough translation in schools – a problem that limits their ability to get involved in their kids’ education.

What Should Be Translated?

Federal law requires public schools to translate notices sent home to parents with limited English, but translation in schools can involve much more than mailed notices.

Materials for parents that can require translation include:

• student report cards and teacher evaluations.
• school policies and parent/student handbooks.
• health notices.
• school newsletters and updates, like holiday closings and event calendars.
• district and school-specific websites.

Getting families active in district events can start with translation in school mailings or handbooks, but interpreting is also key to parent participation.

Every year, schools hold meetings where language comprehension is key: parent-teacher conferences, PTA events, orientation nights and school board meetings, to name a few.

Having interpreters on hand can keep all parents in the know, helping to make key decisions that affect their children.

What’s Next for New Haven

As the New Haven school district is beginning a series of reforms to assist black and Hispanic students in the classroom, New Haven parents are calling for more translation in schools to stay informed about the changes – and to participate in their creation.

The district did not offer interpreting services at parent meetings during this year’s orientation, according to a survey by the activist group Teach Our Children. Some parents claim that there has also been limited translation in school materials sent home.

Although the school system offers a translation of its website using Google translator, it’s not enough – parents say there are many errors that human translation in schools would solve.

Parents are holding protests at Board of Education meetings to change the way the district things about translation in schools – and to make education information available to everyone.