• Language Assistance

    What is a Language Assistance?

    Language Assistance is a translation and interpreting service provided for families and school staff to overcome language barriers and improve communication. The purpose is to engage families in the educational process and activities in a meaningful way.
    Translation/Interpreting
     
     
    • English: Free Interpreting / Translation services are available for families. (812) 961-7500
    • Español (Spanish): Servicios gratuitos de interpretación / traducción están disponibles para las familias. (812) 961-7500
    • 한국어 (Korean): 통역과 번역은 가족들을 위하여 무료로 제공됩니다. (812) 961-7500
    • 中文 (Chinese): 为家庭提供免费的口译/笔译服务 (812) 961-7500
    • (812) 961-7500 خدمات الترجمة متوفرة الان مجانا للعوائل :(Arabic) العربية
    For Families Who Need an Interpreter:
     
    Call: (812) 961-7500  
     
    Press 1 for Spanish (Español)  
    Press 2 for Korean (한국어)  
    Press 3 for Chinese (中文)  
    Press 4 for Arabic (العربية)  
    Press 5 for Other languages
     
    For Staff:
     
    Interpreter Request Form
     
     
     
    Legal Standard
     
    Title VI applies to all school districts that are recipients of federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education and broadly prohibits districts from subjecting students to discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin.
     
    In Lau v. Nichols, 414 U.S. 563 (1974), the Supreme Court determined that where the inability to speak and understand the English language excludes national origin minority students from effective participation in educational programs, districts must take affirmative steps to ensure that such English learner students (EL students) can meaningfully participate in the district’s educational programs and services in order to comply with Title VI.
     
    Districts must ensure that limited English proficient (LEP) parents/guardians have meaningful access to the district’s enrollment and registration process as well as other educational programs and services in a language they can understand.
     
     
    Demographics
     
    In MCCSC schools, approximately 400 English learners who represent over 40 languages were enrolled (August 2019). However, more than 70 different languages are represented by both English learners and students who demonstrated proficiency in English (440 students). Some parents and guardians of the students who are fluent in English may still need language assistance. Approximately 60% of the students represent the following four languages: Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Arabic. 
     
    Parents/guardians may request translation and interpreting services at no cost. Schools must be prepared to arrange the services for families who may need language assistance.
    Language % of Students
    Spanish 24%
    Chinese 15%
    Korean 14%
    Arabic 7%
    Other Languages 40%
     
     
     
     
     
    Translation Service
     

    Translation service is provided by interpreters/translators on staff and through a translation company for other languages. Service requests can be sent to the Language Assistance contact person.

    The translation should be considered if a written document is for:

    • District-wide or school-wide communication
    • Emergency or critical communication
    • A significant number of limited English speakers as the audience

    Note: Translating documents may take up to several weeks depending on the length. Please plan in advance to allow sufficient time for translation.

    Examples of Document Translation
     
    • Enrollment related forms
    • Parent rights related documents
    • Required parent notification letters
    • Student expectations, code of conduct
    • Student-parent handbooks 
     
     
    Bilingual Interpreters on Staff
     

    We have the following language interpreters on staff. An over-the-phone interpreting service is used for all other languages. An interpreter can be requested by phone or email. Please provide the interpreter with details of the service needs. 

     
     
     
     
    Our Staff Speak the Following Languages
    • Arabic (العربية)
    • Chinese (中文)
    • Japanese (日本語)
    • Korean (한국어)
    • Spanish (Español)
     
     
     
    Over-the-Phone Interpreting Service (Propio)
     

    School staff can connect with qualified interpreters in more than 200 languages over the phone quickly when the service is needed. Authorized personnel is familiar with how to access the service.

    Note: Any school staff may use the service; however, only authorized personnel should access the Propio client ID for using the over-the-phone interpreting service.

    Resources