Education has existed in various forms for many years. Before globalization, people traveled to multiple countries for educational purposes. Over the years, schools have become more multilingual. This situation made translation services for schools to evolve into an essential part of the system.
Communication is essential for conveying information and keeping everyone engaged in academic processes.
Therefore, schools need translators to interweave language solutions with cultural diversities.
However, knowing what the process entails is a significant step.
So, read this blog post to get all the vital details.
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What Is Translation in Schools?
Translation in schools refers to converting educational materials written in one language to another. The translation process involves retaining the original content’s accuracy, clarity, and academic integrity. Translators are more useful in schools than many people realize.
Many school districts have students speaking a dozen or more languages. It is normal to see international students representing their native languages in different scenarios.
However, this doesn’t mean about half of their population doesn’t speak English as a second language.
Several instances exist where international students and their families require translations to communicate with teachers and school authorities. The U.S. Department of Education mandates school districts to provide translations for English Language Learners (ELL) students.
It also necessitates translation and interpretation services for parents and guardians who are Limited English Proficient (LEP). The role of translators in schools is to enable understanding and communication between teachers and students or parents.
When Do Schools Need Translations?
Schools need translation to help parents and students understand written content. They need a translator’s service to translate this content from English to other languages. This allows the target parties to read and comprehend translated content quickly. Documents needing translations include:
- Registration and enrollment forms.
- Academic or other achievement certificates.
- Permission slips for students to participate in activities.
- Brochures or flyers.
- Course materials like books, homework, worksheets, tests or quizzes, booklets, syllabi, and audiovisual materials.
- Academic transcripts.
- Evaluation forms and reports.
- Parent handbooks.
- Medical forms and policies.
When Do Schools Need Interpretation?
Schools need interpretation to help parents and students understand spoken words. A professional interpreter understands the native language and delivers meaningful messages. Scenarios needing interpretation include:
- Parent-teacher conferences or face-to-face meetings.
- School events.
- Enrollment.
- Interviews.
- Individualized education plan (IEP) meeting.
- Virtual meetings and classes (e-learning).
- Phone calls to parents.
3 Benefits of Getting Translators for Schools
Apart from the legal requirements to provide translation services for students, translation services help everyone connect naturally. Having translators for schools creates better communication in native languages.
Additionally, getting a translation service for schools provides several other benefits.
1. Better Student Experience and Performance
Children naturally grow into the language spoken in their environment. Hence, communicating with children in their native language will help bring out the best in them. Bridging the communication gap will help them understand concepts better and improve their performance.
2. Effective Communication With Parents and Guardians
Due to the language barrier, many LEP parents and guardians cannot follow up on their children’s academic performance.
Fortunately, translators and interpreters are available to help them understand information about their children. This allows them to stay actively engaged in the child’s academic journey.
3. Better Parent-Teacher Relationship
Effective communication allows parents and guardians to follow up and create relationships with teachers.
Education is a two-way communication process. Teachers and parents interact with each other about the students through language services.
Suitable Interpretation and Translation Services for School Services
Several types of translation services for school services exist, but some options are more appropriate than others. It is essential to choose suitable options for everyone needing quality language solution services.
We’ve identified the best options for schools and how they aid communication.
1. American Sign Language (ASL)
American Sign Language is a visual means of communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in the U.S.
It is a complete and organized language that requires the brain to process linguistic information through visual communication.
An ASL interpreter expresses themself by the movements of the hands and face. Their presence in the classroom facilitates communication between the student and teacher.
2. On-Site Interpreting (OSI)
On-site interpretation allows someone to interpret spoken words directly from one language to another.
It could also be in the form of an in-person translation service for faster comprehension.
An in-person translator provides real-time translated content for the target party.
It is the most personal approach to help deliver language syntax and idioms perfectly.
3. Over-The-Phone Interpretation (OPI)
Unlike on-site interpretation, OPI involves the interpreter communicating important information over the phone.
This method involves a phone call to translate crucial messages to parents and students. It is most effective for communicating quick notifications or reminders.
4. Video Remote Interpretation (VRI)
As the name indicates, parents, guardians, or students communicate with the interpreter through video calls.
The interpreter doesn’t have to be present; they can complete the interpretation process remotely. This method is perfect for e-learning and sign language communication.
Parents and guardians can express themselves to the interpreter, and students can catch up with academic activities.
Are There Free Translation Services for Schools?
Yes, there are free translation services for schools in the U.S. public schools have free access to written translation, on-site interpretation, and over-the-phone interpretation services.
This helps schools to work towards meeting the Department of Education’s requirements for language access services.
The unit responsible for translation and interpretation also monitors service delivery and training for available resources. Several languages are accessible within various school districts.
Hence, parents and students can demand a translator or interpreter to help them communicate.
Do Schools Get Federal Funding for Translation and Interpretation Services?
Yes, some public schools receive federal funding for translation and interpretation services. Most of the funding comes from state and local sources.
However, the federal body ensures supplemental funding for specific language service requirements in some school districts.
They also monitor and evaluate how schools utilize the allocated translation and interpretation funds. This allows families, staff, and students to access an adequate translation service for schools at no cost.
The language assistance services work closely with schools to ensure translation and interpretation services support the target population. Teachers use these services to support children and young people from non-English-speaking backgrounds.
However, there are some instances where the school or parent can source an external translator. Several professional translation companies offer services for academic purposes.
In this case, it is essential to identify companies that offer outstanding translation services.
Criteria To Identify Suitable School Translation Services
Choosing the most suitable translation services depends on the target audience’s requirements. Some services are more suitable for your target audience than others.
Therefore, you must look out for some criteria when choosing a translation company or agency for schools.
Here are the criteria:
- Availability: Educational activities are never-ending. So, it would be best to look for a translator who is always available for assignments.
- Communication options: Although you may want a translator for written materials, interpretations are helpful for specific scenarios. Make sure you choose a language service company that offers the necessary communication options.
- Price: Ask for the cost of the translator or interpreter’s services. This will help you create a budget for other necessary assignments.
- Turnaround time: You may need urgent translation services for impromptu educational materials. The best option is to look for translators who deliver quality results within fast turnaround times.
- Native speaker: Native speakers are the most suitable to translate their language. Translations must include idioms, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax.
- Skill and experience: Your translator must have adequate knowledge of the cultural aspects of the target language. They must also be able to convey the meaning of words for better understanding.
- Quality assurance: The translator should follow standard procedures or use translation software for quality assurance purposes.
2 Top School Translation Services
Based on the above criteria, we’ve identified some translation companies offering quality services for schools. We’ve highlighted the top two companies and their services in this section.
1. Stepes
Stepes is a professional translation company that provides various language services. It offers educational translations for schools, international students, and institutions in over 100 languages.
Their services cover various materials like handbooks, transcripts, syllabuses, consent forms, school websites, etc.
Stepes uses highly experienced educational linguists and subject matter experts to ensure quality translations. It combines the skills of multilingual experts with cutting-edge translation tools for quality assurance.
Regardless of the niche, Stepes offers affordable and efficient services.
2. Language Connections
Language Connections is a top language service company with over 30 years of experience in the industry. It provides quality translation and interpretation services for schools through a network of technically trained linguists.
Their services cover various educational materials like textbooks, teaching materials, term papers, etc.
Language Connections’ translation team are native speakers with vast experience and knowledge in the educational field and academic terminology.
You can get accurate translations from this company in over 200 languages. It also provides interpreters who are fluent in over 100 languages.
Although hiring professional translation services for schools is essential, you may want to consider other expert translators.
Rapid Translate offers exceptional specialized translation services for specific educational materials.
We prioritize providing accessible and affordable translations for your academic transcripts, diplomas, college applications, and other documents.
Whether you need translation to study abroad or apply to academic institutions, Rapid Translate covers you. So, order now to enjoy effective communication in schools!
