1. GaDOE ESOL Unit 2017 Webinar Series - Part VI EL Parent Communication
with some Guidance from the U.S. Department of Education Office of English Language Acquisition
Dr. Jacqueline C. Ellis, NBCT
November 28, 2017
11/14/2018

2. Communication to EL Parents
The Basics
Creates strong family-school relationships - a strong indicator of student success
In a language they can understand - provides a foundation for students’ academic success
In a language they can understand - creates a welcoming community
Provides access to all the necessary information about their child’s education
Provides the school-related information they need to make informed decisions
11/14/2018

3. LEA Responsibilities to EL Parents
Requirements and Obligations
Must communicate meaningfully to EL parents
Must adequately notify EL parents of information about any program, service, or activity called to the attention of non-EL parents.
Develop and Implement a process for determining who the EL parents and to determine their language needs.
Must provide appropriate and competent translators or interpreters
11/14/2018

4. Family, Language, and Culture
Process Suggestions
How does your LEA honor and reflect the diversity of families, including their languages and cultures?
Are staff members trained in engaging diverse families and communities?
Are the parent meetings and school events that include interpreters scheduled in ways that maximize EL parent participation?
11/14/2018

5. Language Identification Procedures
Process Suggestions
What is the process for determining EL parents’ languages needs?
The HLS is a useful tool to gather EL parent information.
Translate the LEA’s initial inquiry into common languages in the district – have a process in place for other languages.
Have qualified interpreters available to help parents complete the HLS accurately.
LEA should take parents at their word about their communication needs.
11/14/2018

6. Interpretation and Translation Services
Process Suggestions
What is the process for providing language assistance to EL parents?
How does the LEA inform EL parents about the availability of free language assistance services including interpreters and translators?
What is the process for acquiring qualified and trained interpreters and translators?
What is the process for determining that the LEA staff is competent and appropriate to serve as interpreters or translators?
How does the LEA ensure that interpreters and translators have knowledge of all specialized education terms and concepts?
11/14/2018

7. Interpretation and Translation Services Cont’d
Things to Consider
Provide effective and appropriate language assistance.
It may not be sufficient for the staff to be merely bilingual
Consecutive and simultaneous interpreting skills are important
Train on the ethics of interpreting and translating making sure to include issues around confidentiality.
11/14/2018

8. Parent Notifications Process Suggestions
What procedures are in place for EL parents to be informed of programs, services and activities in a language they can understand?
How does the LEA ensure that the translated written communications are provided in a language that EL parents understand?
What is the procedure for providing translation or interpretation services, when needed, for parent-teacher conferences, IEP meetings, and disciplinary proceedings?
11/14/2018

9. Partnerships Process Suggestions
What parents, school, and community partnerships exist at the LEA and school levels?
What learning and leadership opportunities are available for EL parents?
11/14/2018

10. LEA Responsibilities to EL Parents
Potential Compliance Issues
Reliance on students, siblings, friends or untrained school staff to translate or interpret for parents
Failure to provide translation or an interpreter at IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences, enrollment or career fairs, or disciplinary proceedings
Failure to provide information notifying EL parents about a school’s programs, services, and activities in a language the parents can understand
Failure to identify EL parents.
11/14/2018

11. LEA Responsibilities to Parent Parents
In Summary
LEAs must develop and implement a process for determining whether parents are EL, and evaluate the language needs of these EL parents
Provide language assistance to EL parents who indicate they require such assistance
Ensure EL parents have adequate notice of and meaningful access to information about all school districts’ programs, services, and activities
LEAs provide free qualified language assistance services to EL parents
11/14/2018

12. ESOL & Title III Staff Program Manager Ms. Cori Alston
ESOL Program Specialist
Dr. Jacqueline C. Ellis, NBCT
Administrative Assistant
Ms. Kim Lacewell
Title III Program Specialist (North Region)
Dr. Meg Baker
Title III Program Specialist
(Mid Region)
Ms. Dely Roberts
(South Region)
Ms. Tammie Smith
11/14/2018

13. If you have any questions, comments or concern, please add them to the Questions box.
11/14/2018