Investing in Equality, Why Schools Need Language Services Today

SAN DIEGO, June 20, 2024 — As most schools have already ended their ’23-’24 school year, it’s time to look ahead and prepare for the ’24-’25 academic year. Imagine a Non-English speaking student joining your school mid-year without an interpreter—struggling to understand lessons, feeling isolated, and missing out on crucial education, it happened this year in San Diego. In cases like this, many rely on AI and Google Translate which often falls short, leading to communication breakdowns and educational inequalities. Interpreters Unlimited (IU) is urging schools across the country to prioritize language interpretation and document translation services to ensure every student receives the education they deserve. With a full suite of comprehensive language services available, IU is ready to support schools nationwide in their efforts to create an inclusive and effective learning environment.

Most schools have the budget for this important resource but so many are not taking advantage of it, not providing an equal education for all. IU learned that at least one school in a district in San Diego received a new student who spoke no English mid school year and yet no interpreter was provided, communication, if you can call it that, was done through translation apps. This can work here and there, but with errors and inefficiency. A teacher cannot teach in English and then act as a translation facilitator using a translation app to communicate every single thing they have spoken twice all day long. This equates to a poor education experience, students being left out, confused, unhappy and even scared.

There is a lot of talk about AI translation, but no matter how good it is it still needs a human touch. You wouldn’t trust an AI robot or machine to perform heart surgery on you without a human doctor there, right? Education should be taken just as serious. When it comes to important instances where wording and nuance matters, like in healthcare, education, and legal, one little mistake can be detrimental.

Planning ahead for language services is crucial for several reasons. First, it allows schools to arrange for these services in advance, reducing the need for last-minute coordination and ensuring smoother operations throughout the school year. By being proactive, schools will be prepared when the need arises, avoiding the chaos of frantic, last-minute solutions.

Moreover, early planning enables schools to allocate resources more effectively. This includes budgeting for interpreter services, translation software, and staff training. A proactive approach ensures that financial and human resources are used efficiently, benefiting the entire school community. Additionally, schools may need to provide training for staff members involved in language interpretation or translation. Early planning ensures that staff have ample time to undergo training and become proficient in their roles, which enhances the overall quality of language services.

Another critical aspect of preparation is emergency readiness. In the event of natural disasters or public health crises, schools must be able to communicate critical information to all members of the school community. Preparing for language services in advance ensures that schools can effectively communicate emergency information to linguistically diverse populations, safeguarding the well-being of all students and their families.

Interpreters Unlimited offers a range of services to meet these needs. Spoken interpretation ensures seamless communication with students, parents, and staff, while American Sign Language (ASL) services bridge the gap for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students and families. Document translation is also available, guaranteeing that important documents are accurately translated for students and parents, keeping everyone informed.

Schools do not need to be concerned with being locked into contracts either, as companies like IU offer services On-Demand whenever needed, or through flexible short-term or long-term contracts. Services are also available on-site in person, or virtually via video or over the phone. There is no shortage of options to ensure every student in need receives the services they require.

This year alone, IU provided language services to schools in 40 states, supporting approximately 100 school districts and 300 schools, benefiting over 5,000 students and their families. However, this is only a fraction of the schools and districts that are out there, and so many have yet to tap into this invaluable resource.

The consequences of neglecting language services are significant. Communication breakdowns can create educational inequalities, leaving non-English speaking students at a disadvantage. Schools that fail to address language needs may also face reputational damage and dissatisfaction among students and parents. Looking to machine translation apps and AI like Google Translate and others cannot substitute for professional interpreters, who ensure accuracy and cultural sensitivity in communication.

Interpreter Fady Bishay remarked, “Having worked as an interpreter in diverse educational settings, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial human interpreters are for bridging the gap for non-English speaking students. It’s about more than just words – it’s about understanding nuances, fostering participation, and creating a truly inclusive learning environment. Interpreters Unlimited, you’re doing important work!”

No student should have a lower quality education experience due to a language barrier, and an app can not help a teacher give a limited to Non-English speaking student the same education as their peers, they need a professional interpreter. Every student deserves a proper and equal education, and every parent or guardian deserves accurate communication, regardless of the language they speak. Interpreters Unlimited is ready to help schools achieve this goal.

Don’t let your school fall behind. Take advantage of this resource to create an equal education and a great experience for everyone. Your students, their parents, and your staff will thank you.

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For more information about Interpreters Unlimited, Inc., you can call 800-726-9891, or fill out the contact form below to learn more.

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About Interpreters Unlimited, Inc.

The IU Group of companies include: Interpreters Unlimited, Accessible Communication for the Deaf, Albors & Alnet, Arkansas Spanish Interpreters and Translators, and IU GlobeLink, LLC, and are headquartered in San Diego, California as a minority-owned company. IU Group is committed to providing equal opportunity in the work environment with its diverse team to aid in supplying linguistic and cultural interpretation services to clients. A combined 70 years in the industry has demonstrated a surplus of leadership and best practices, which has helped establish its respected role in the language services community. Its services include spoken translation, document translation and non-emergency medical transportation.