Language Services

Bilingual staff are fluent in multiple languages but are not trained interpreters. They can assist with simple tasks (helping with forms/relaying basic messages) but should not interpret or be pulled from primary duties.

English Language Development (ELD) is a program in District 196 that provides academic English language support to multilingual learners.

English Learner (EL) is a student whose primary language is not English and requires language support.

Interpretation is rendering a spoken or signed communication from one language into another.

Language Access Plan is a written document that describes how our district will provide services, processes and procedures to render effective language assistance to students and families who prefer to communicate in a language other than English.

Language Services refer to various services and resources facilitating communication between speakers who communicate in a language other than English, in a timely and meaningful way.

Multilingual Learner is a broad category that includes students who were never identified for English Learner (EL) status, students currently receiving ELD instruction, and those who used to have EL status.

Preferred language is the language in which parents or guardian request services, resources, and communications from schools and the district.

Qualified interpreters are trained professionals who follow the National Code of Ethics and Standards to facilitate communication between individuals who do not share a common language.

Translation is converting written text from one language into written text in another, maintaining the original material's intended meaning. For languages that rely on an oral tradition (i.e., Somali), an oral interpretation may be used in place of written translation.

Vital documents refer to materials essential to a family’s ability to access District 196 services (i.e. enrollment, registration, curriculum, grade, transcript information, etc.) as defined by the U. S. Departments of Justice and Education.

Parents/Guardians: Preferred Language

During enrollment, parents and guardians specify their preferred language, which is recorded in their profile within the district’s student information system. This enables schools to identify families who need language assistance and provide appropriate language services. Families can update their preferred language at any time by contacting their school.

Students: English Learner (EL) Identification

All families complete the Minnesota Language Survey (MNLS) during enrollment, which identifies a student's language experiences through parent or guardian responses. If the survey indicates a potential English Learner, the district administers a state-approved language proficiency assessment to determine whether English language development services are needed, and identify the student with EL status. Families are notified in the required timeline if their child qualifies for EL services using the District’s Parent Notification Form. The notification includes the amount of time and type of EL service the child receives and shares the right to refuse service.

Detailed information about ELD services in District 196 can be found in our Language Instruction Education Program.

I Need Assistance Cards: Each school has small cards requesting assistance in the district's top eight languages. Families can present these cards to request language services.

We Can Help You Posters: Signs informing individuals about their right to request interpreters or translation services are posted near each school’s main entrance.

Point To Your Language: Signs The top eight languages in our district are represented. Posters at each school’s front desk also allow individuals to indicate their language, enabling staff to arrange appropriate language services.

Interpretation from certified interpreters is available for communications related to academic outcomes, progress, determinations, and placement of students in specialized programs and services, as well as conferences, enrollment, informational meetings, and more. District 196 offers three options for interpretation: over-the-phone interpreting (OPI), scheduled or on-demand video-remote interpreting (VRI), and in-person interpreting (spoken and/or ASL).

TO ACCESS INTERPRETATION SERVICES

Translation services are available for requested documents in most languages. District 196 also proactively translates many vital documents into Spanish and Somali, including district policies, regulations, and procedures.

Website Translation: Families can view all district and school websites in their preferred language by selecting the "select language" option on the bottom of every webpage.

Digital Communication Translation: District 196 uses email and texting services that:

● Send information in families’ preferred languages (via email and text) using district approved mass notification tools.
● Allow families to choose their preferred language for viewing communications.
● Enables staff to send and receive text messages in the family’s preferred language (Currently, only available for EL-identified students and families.)

HOW TO ACCESS TRANSLATION SERVICES

The Staff Portal includes:

● A list of qualified translators and approved local translation companies
● Guidelines, ethics, and standards
● Step-by-step instructions for translation services Families can request a translation:
● By contacting their school

Important Guidance: Reliance on unapproved automated translation tools (such as Google Translate) is not recommended.
● When families cannot read written materials, oral interpretation may be necessary.
● Direct districtwide communications needs to languageservices@district196.org

STAFF ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

STAFF TRAINING

SPECIALIST SUPPORT

District 196 actively shares the Language Access Plan to ensure families and staff are aware and have the training and resources to use it effectively.

Community: Districtwide communications such as newsletters, emails, and websites.

Staff: All staff receive training through professional development sessions, video tutorials, and detailed step-by-step guides.

Families: Language services are offered to families who indicate a preferred language other than English. Information about Language Services is shared with all families through newsletters, printed flyers, and in school handbooks. Information about the Language Access Plan is also included in the Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook.

LANGUAGE ACCESS REVIEW

District 196 continuously reviews and evaluates the Language Access Plan to ensure it effectively meets the needs of our diverse community. Feedback on language services is collected from families and staff through surveys, focus groups, and meetings, providing valuable insights to refine and enhance the plan. The plan will be reviewed and updated by the District 196 School Board every two years.

We value your input on our language access services and are committed to providing high-quality support. If you have feedback or suggestions for improvement, or if you experience challenges accessing services, please contact us via email at languageservices@district196.org or by mail at District 196 District Office, 3455 153rd St. W., Rosemount, MN 55068.

Download the Language Access Plan (PDF-English)