Frequently Asked Questions: Language Access in Schools
Guide for non-English-speaking parents on language access with their child's school.
Education law requires that public schools consider the language needs of children who have limited English proficiency in the child's programs and activities. (34 C.F.R. Sec. 300.324(a)(2)). This includes meaningful participation for parents whose preferred language is not English. This guide explains “meaningful participation” and gives information for parents about language rights at their child’s school.
This resource is a general guide for people with disabilities and their families. It is not legal advice. For legal advice on your specific situation, please talk with a lawyer.
I don’t speak English. Does my child’s school have to give me paperwork in my language?
Yes. School districts must communicate with non-English-speaking parents in a language they understand. Schools must let these parents know about any program, services, or activity they communicate with English-speaking parents about.
Advocacy Tip
If your child’s school isn’t giving you paperwork in your language, message or email someone at the school to explain that you need them in a different language. You can write this message in your preferred language or use a translator app.
What does my child’s school have to give me in my language?
Schools must communicate with non-English-speaking parents about these things:
Language help programs
Special education and related services
Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and paperwork
Complaint processes
Notices about nondiscrimination
Student discipline policies and procedures
Registration and enrollment
Report cards
Asking for parent permission for the student to do school activities
Parent / teacher conferences
Parent handbooks
Gifted and talented programs
Charter schools or any other school / program choice options
This is not a complete list.
Advocacy Tip
Schools may not give you all paperwork from this list in your language right away, even if staff know you don’t use English. Try writing to the school to tell them you need the specific document in another language. It’s easier to refer to an email or message than a phone call or conversation.
I don’t speak English. Does my child’s school need to bring an interpreter to Individualized Education Program meetings?
Yes. Schools must make sure parents understand Individualized Education Program team meetings, including bringing qualified interpreters for parents who don’t use English. “Qualified” means the person has knowledge in both languages of any special terms or concepts, and has been trained in the ethics of interpreting – including confidentiality.
Advocacy Tip
You can write to your child’s special education director or case manager to specifically ask for an interpreter before any Individualized Education Program meetings. If you meet with the school and they use an interpreter who doesn’t seem qualified (for example, they are summarizing instead of translating each word), you can ask for the meeting to stop and resume when the school has a trained interpreter available. It is your right ot understand your child's education! Staff may not know the interpretation isn’t good unless you tell them.
Other resources
For more information about this topic, please see the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction guide, "Providing Language Assistance to Parents," in:
