With so many students and parents speaking different languages, it’s crucial–and required–for schools to ensure everyone feels included and understood. However, we’ve seen many schools struggle when they try to manage language services on their own or go with unreliable resources. We wanted to share some insights on why this happens and why it’s so important to follow state mandates for language services. 

So, what are the common issues with DIY language solutions? Where does it say that these services are required? And how can professionals like INGCO help?

The Pain Points of DIY Language Solutions

• Inefficiency and high unfilled rates: Imagine trying to juggle schedules, handle last-minute cancellations, and ensure you have interpreters available for various languages – all while doing your regular job. It’s a lot, right? Schools that try to manage their own language services often end up with high unfilled rates. This means they can’t always get an interpreter when they need one, which leaves families without the support they need during important meetings and events. It’s a logistical nightmare and ends up disrupting the school’s operations.
• Lack of quality and consistency: Without a reputable agency, the quality of interpreting services can be inconsistent. Schools may struggle to find interpreters who are not only fluent but also familiar with educational terminology and sensitive to cultural nuances. This inconsistency can lead to misunderstandings, miscommunications, and, ultimately, a breakdown in trust between the school and the families it serves.
• Increased administrative burden: Booking interpreters independently adds a significant administrative burden on school staff. Teachers and administrators, already stretched thin with their primary responsibilities, must now spend additional time vetting interpreters, handling contracts, and managing schedules. This distraction from their core duties can impact the overall quality of education and school operations.
• Legal and compliance risks: Schools must comply with various state mandates and federal laws, such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Department of Justice guidelines, which require the provision of language services to non-English-speaking families. Failing to meet these requirements can result in legal repercussions, financial penalties, and damage to the school’s reputation. There have also been recent meetings around Federal funding for language services.
• Last-minute booking challenges: Another major issue is the tendency to book interpreters at the last minute. When schools wait until the last minute to request interpreting services, they often find themselves scrambling to find available interpreters. This not only creates stress but can also result in missed appointments or inadequate support. Allow a professional language service provider to take on this burden and find a qualified interpreter with a larger resource pool. 

The Advantages of Partnering with a Reputable Language Services Company

• Professionalism and expertise: A reputable language services agency brings professionalism and expertise to the table. Their interpreters are not only linguistically proficient but also trained in educational settings. This ensures that communications are clear, culturally appropriate, and effective, fostering better relationships between schools and families.
• Reliability and availability: Established agencies have a wide network of qualified interpreters, reducing the risk of unfilled requests. They offer reliable services and can cover various languages and dialects, ensuring that all families receive the support they need when they need it.
• Streamlined processes: Schools can streamline their processes and reduce administrative burdens by outsourcing interpreting services to a professional agency. Agencies handle the scheduling, vetting, and coordination of interpreters, allowing school staff to focus on their primary educational responsibilities.
• Compliance and peace of mind: Partnering with a reputable language service provider helps schools stay compliant with state mandates and federal laws. These companies are well-versed in legal requirements and ensure that their services meet the necessary standards, providing schools with peace of mind and protecting them from potential legal issues.

Understanding State Mandates

State mandates vary, but they consistently emphasize the need for schools to provide language services to ensure equal access to education for all students and families. For example:

• Civil Rights Act: prohibits discrimination based on national origin and requires schools to take steps to ensure meaningful access to their programs and services for limited English proficient (LEP) individuals.
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): requires that parents of children with disabilities have access to interpreters during IEP meetings to fully participate in their child’s education. Additionally, it is required that interpreters are available to support children with low-incidence disabilities, especially those who are deaf or hard of hearing, in their educational and school-related activities.
• US Department of Justice: clearly states that schools must provide information to LEP families regarding content related to school activities, programs, or services. This list includes but is not limited to report cards, parent-teacher conferences, enrollment documents, special education, etc. 
• State-specific laws: Many states have laws and regulations mandating the provision of language services in educational settings. These laws often outline specific requirements for interpreter qualifications and the scope of services provided.

What’s the Solution?

Using a reputable language services provider, such as INGCO, can make a world of difference. We bring professionalism and expertise, ensuring that interpreters are not only fluent but also trained in educational settings. They reduce the risk of unfilled requests, handle the administrative burden, and help schools stay compliant with legal requirements. This way, schools can focus on what they do best – educating students and supporting families. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help in your school.