In education, we often talk about meeting students where they are – focusing on tailoring curriculum and providing appropriate scaffolding to help students better succeed. Parents’ needs, particularly those of parents of ELL students or who have limited English proficiency themselves, are often overlooked.
By reframing our communications approach, parents can better support their students and feel deeper connections with teachers, schools, and their children’s success. A few recommendations to get your school or district on a path to greater engagement with ELL students and their families.
Utilize Imagery and Video-Based Content
Some ELL students come from regions with lower education and literacy levels. In these situations, parents are often unable to engage with lengthy written materials, even when professionally translated.
To increase understanding, utilize:
- imagery
- infographics
- audio-based content
Use plain, straightforward language in order to make the translation clear.
Implement On-Demand Interpretation
On-Demand over the phone interpretation (OPI) or video remote interpretation (VRI) allows teachers, administrators, and staff to communicate with parents as needed in the language they prefer.
Interpreters can support ELL families on scheduled meetings like parent-teacher conferences and IEP reviews, or unexpected conversations for situations such as walk-in enrollment or calls home regarding illness or disciplinary situations.
OPI and VRI are affordable and scalable to meet district and school needs – typically charged by the minute, and with Alboum, without minimums, seat licenses, or annual fees.
Recognize Both the Value and Limits of Automated Tools
Utilizing website tools and parent engagement apps that offer automated translation of content provides parents with a general sense for the message a district or a school is trying to get across. And, in some cases, they also allow parents to communicate in their preferred language with teachers able to back translate messages.
However, recognizing the limits of machine translation is critical and not recommended for:
- legal documents like IEPs and other student records
- handbooks and policies
- waivers and other forms.
Machine translation for rarer or character-based languages often falls short and may result in a true failed translation. That’s because rare languages yield minimal online content from which the tools can draw.
Leverage Text Messaging, WhatsApp, and Social Media
Email is not the primary means of communication in many countries around the world nor is reliable internet access and free, unlimited text messaging the norm. As such, many recent immigrant families (and low-income ones as well) rely on cell phones and messaging or social media apps for information, even official communications.
Schools and districts that incorporate distribution of messages to ELL families via:
- text messaging tools
- WhatsApp groups
- social media platforms
Sending with translated content to ELL families through these channels often sees increased responsiveness and engagement.
Alboum proudly supports schools and districts across the country with our professional translation and on-demand interpreter services.
From our customer service to our experienced translators and interpreters—we speak the language of education.
Our clients appreciate that Alboum understands the unique needs of schools and districts, and also that our professional translators and interpreters are familiar with educational terminology.
Alboum focuses on making language access easy and affordable—offering translation and interpreter services without rush fees, annual commitments, monthly minimums, or complicated procurement processes.
Reach out today if we can help your school or district communicate so you can be on the path to greater engagement with the ELL families in your community.
