All parents have a right to be involved and play a role in their child’s education regardless of their English language proficiency. All districts must ensure effective means of communication between teachers and parents to ensure that they can be involved in their English language development. Parents of English language learners may have a language barrier themselves and require additional support for participation in school and district events and activities. During registration, parents are asked a series of questions, including the home primary language and the parent/home preferred language. Schools should take parents at their word about their communications needs. It is also important to keep in mind that parents may require interpreting services.
Examples of required translated forms from districts/buildings to families include:
• School Board Policies
• Registration and Immunization Forms
• Lunch/Meal Forms including Free and Reduced Lunch
• Grievance procedures and notices of non-discrimination
• Language assistance programs
• Parent handbooks
• Report cards
• Gifted and talented programs
• Student discipline policies and procedures
• Parent-Teacher conferences
• Federal and State title reporting and notices
• Field trip and Sports Forms
• Special education and related services (IEPs)