Language/Interpreting

When a parent's primary language is not English, we need to utilize an interpreter for meetings and basic communication. Also, by law, the Prior Written Notice (PWN) must be sent home in the home language. This page includes information to assist in meeting these needs/requirements. 

When an evaluation is being considered for a student whose primary language is not English, the IEP team must consider the use of an interpreter and determine which assessments require interpretation during administration.

Additional Notes...

• Krystal Jenson (or another special services staff in her absence) will communicate with you about interpreter requests. 

• When there is a cancellation last minute, communicate that to both Krystal J & the interpreter. 

The PWN must be sent home in the home language. SpEd Forms has built in capabilities to do this for the top MN languages. First, complete the English PWN. Then go to the language PWN you need. (If used previously, empty the fields and save to pull in the English content.) For each of the 5 questions, you will use the translate button under each box to translate and then insert the electronic translation. While the PWN should always be descriptive. Think about how you can make it extra comprehensive since it is translated for the parent. 

There are other forms in SpEd Forms where the form itself it translated, but fields do not have translation buttons. These are optional tools and not legally required. Consult with leadership if you feel you need to use them.