Language access services refer to translation (written) and interpreting (spoken) services to support effective communication between families and school staff. These services ensure all families have meaningful access to essential information and school-related processes.

Families may request translation and interpreting services at no cost. Schools are required to coordinate these services for families who need language support.

Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, school districts receiving federal funds from the U.S. Department of Education must not discriminate based on race, color, or national origin.

In Lau v. Nichols, 414 U.S. 563 (1974), the Supreme Court ruled that when students cannot participate effectively in educational programs due to limited English proficiency, schools must take proactive measures to ensure meaningful access to the school programs.

Districts must also ensure that Limited English Proficient (LEP) parents and guardians can access enrollment, registration, and all other educational services in a language they understand.

The MCCSC student body represents over 80 countries and speaks over 90 heritage languages. As of March 2025:

• 1,300 multilingual students make up 12.4% of the student population.
• 56% (730 students) are English learners actively acquiring English proficiency.
• Approximately 60% of the multilingual students’ languages are Spanish, Chinese, Korean, or Arabic.
• The top five non-English languages spoken are Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Arabic, and Vietnamese.

Bilingual Interpreters on Staff

The district employs bilingual family liasions for Spanish, Chinese, and Korean. Over-the-phone interpreting service is available in other languages.

Over-the-Phone Interpreting (Propio)

School staff can access trained interpreters in over 300 languages via phone or the Propio app. In MCCSC, authorized personnel can use this service to provide language support for families.

ParentSquare Two-Way Messaging Platform

ParentSquare enables two-way communication between educators and families in over 140 languages. How It Works:

• Messages are delivered instantly and directly via SMS, app, web, or email to recipients.
• Automatic two-way translation allows families to receive and send messages in their preferred language, even via text.

Translation Services

Written translation is available through district interpreters and an external translation company. Schools may faciliate and prioritize the translation service when documents are:

• Intended for district-wide or school-wide distribution
• Urgent or critical communications
• Targeted to an audience with a significant number of limited English speakers