We have a legal obligation to communicate with families in a language they understand.

"The obligation not to discriminate based on race, color, or national origin requires public schools to take affirmative steps to ensure that limited English proficient (LEP) students, now more commonly known as English Learner (EL) students or English Language Learners (ELLs), can meaningfully participate in educational programs and services, and to communicate information to LEP parents in a language they can understand."

For more information, please visit the US Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights. 

An interpreter is someone who provides oral translation between people who speak different languages. 

In Boone County, we offer interpreters via telephone, in person, or app.  

• To schedule an in person interpreter, please contact Christen Morgan.

• To use the telephone or app, please refer to the resources HERE and contact your EL Teacher if you have any questions.  

• It is not the sole responsibility of the EL teacher to contact EL Families- classroom teachers and administrators can and should use the interpreter service to contact families.

A translator is someone who takes a written document in one language and converts it to another language. 

• Boone County has a team of bilingual educators/staff support who are able to translate documents with the purpose of supporting and communicating with families.  The Translation Team cannot translate documents that are technical in nature as they are not licensed translators.  Items such documents including federal/state/local policy and procedure and policy and regulation should be translated by licensed translators at Affordable Language Services if they are not available on Transact.  If you would like to request a translation from the team, please contact Alisa Alcock.

• If you would like to request a document to be translated by Affordable Language Services please contact Student Services,  Christen Morgan.

Tips on Working with an Interpreter (per Telelanguage.com)

• If possible, brief the interpreter before the conversation takes place.

• Understand that the interpreter is there to interpret everything that is said and exactly how it is said. (A trained interpreter will know not to alter any part of the conversation). If it is determined that the parent/guardian only requires a partial interpretation, the trained interpreter will know how to address this, as well. 

• Speak clearly, slowly, and in a normal tone, pausing after complete thoughts and sentences. 

• Allow more time for an interpreted conversation.

• Be mindful of cultural factors that may come into play.

• Try to refrain from using acronyms, informal speech, and colloquialisms.

• Speak directly to the non-English speaker, not the interpreter.

• Treat the interpreter as a professional.

• Allow only one person to speak at a time.