Multilingual Learner Program

Parent Communication: Interpreters & Translators

For a student to reach his/her full potential, schools must view parents/guardians as partners in the education process. As a school district, we have an obligation to communicate with these partners in meaningful ways and to notify them of information about any program, service, or activity that is shared with the parents of non-Multilingual students.

Spartanburg School District Six utilizes the online registration tool, Infosnap. During the registration process, it is important for parents to be able to read and complete enrollment information in their own language. It is required that each school has procedures in place. Infosnap is already translated into Spanish, the language of 78% of our districts’ Multilingual Learners.

However, if a family speaks a language other than Spanish, the school is responsible for making sure the parent is able to complete the enrollment requirements in a language they comprehend. Using students as interpreters or an online software like Google Translate is NEVER an acceptable method of official school translation! When a parent who speaks another language registers a child in Spartanburg District Six, school personnel provide assistance through certified interpreters/translators.

Within thirty (30) calendar days of the beginning of the school year, or within ten (10) days of being placed in the MLP program after the beginning of the year, the parents of the MLL must be notified of the following in a language they can understand.

The District Parent Notification letter includes federal and state required information below:

• The reasons for the identification of the child as an ML and in need of placement in a language instruction educational program

• The child’s level of English proficiency, how each level was assessed, and the status of the child’s academic achievement

• The method of instruction used in the program in which their child is, or will be participating, and the methods of instruction used in other available programs, including how the programs differ

• How the program will meet the educational strengths and needs of the child and help the child achieve English language proficiency, and meet academic standards

• How such a program will specifically help their child learn English, and meet age appropriate academic achievement standards for grade promotion and graduation

• The specific exit requirements for the program, including the expected rate of transition form such program into classrooms that are not tailored for MLs, and the expected rate of graduation from secondary schools

• In the case of a child with a disability, how the program meets the annual goals in the child's individualized education (IEP)

• Information regarding the parents’ right to withdraw the child from a program upon their request, and to decline enrollment or choose another program or method of instruction if available.

After this initial communication, the district and each school should strive to communicate important information to parents. The more informed parents are, the more likely it is that they will be able to support their child’s learning. It is never appropriate to rely on students to interpret for their parents. Spartanburg School District Six uses certified translators in the district as well as interpreters with HIT Services.

When an interpreter or translator is needed, the employee requesting the interpreter/translator is to complete the Document Translation Form or the Interpreter Request Form which can both be accessed from the Teacher Menu of your school computer. It is important that you are logged into your school Google account when submitting your request. If you need assistance with your interpreters/translators request, please contact Laura Lanxton , Instructional Service Secretary for Spartanburg School District Six. 

To the extent practicable, Spartanburg School District Six is required to make every effort to ensure that all families from a non-English speaking background are adequately informed and connected to our school community.

Examples include but are not limited to:

❏ Parent conferences

❏ Disciplinary notices

❏ Changes in scheduling

❏ School rules and regulations

❏ Applications for free and reduced meals

❏ Field trip forms

❏ Health and immunization notices

❏ IEPs and 504 plans and meetings when applicable

❏ Other general information sent home with students

Many parents of MLs will need interpreters/translators to allow them to fully participate in school activities such as registering students and Parent-Teacher Conferences. If a parent does not understand English, the school is obligated to provide an approved interpreter. Interpreters must be qualified by the district or hired from a qualified agency such as HIT Services for translating during an official school meeting.