Tips for Working with Interpreters

Waiver of PWN Translation vs. Documentation of Oral Interpretation:

IDEA requires that school districts “take whatever action is necessary to ensure that the parent understands the proceedings of the IEP team meeting, including arranging for an interpreter for parents with deafness or whose native language is other than English.” Additionally, “Schools must provide translation or interpretation from appropriate and competent individuals and may not rely on or ask students, siblings, friends, or untrained school staff to translate or interpret for parents.” (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/dcl-factsheet-lep-parents-201501.pdf)

Make sure to appropriately document the use of both interpretation and translation. When oral interpretation is provided during due process meetings, both the parent and interpreter should sign the Documentation of Oral Interpretation of Meetings form. For Prior Written Notice (PWN) documents, parents must be given the option to receive a written translation in their home language. If unable to reach a family, the law requires a written translation of PWN documents. If the family wishes to receive the document in English only, they must sign the Waiver of Written Translation of PWN (no signature is required if providing a translation). Both forms can be found on the EdPlan Home page > Resource Information > Sp Ed Translated Docs folder.

Contact spedinterpreters@mpls.k12.mn.us with questions. For more information visit: https://goo.gl/YuRSsD