Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Maryland is a testament to the power of diversity and inclusion in education. With a record enrollment of over 160,000 students in the 2022-2023 school year, MCPS has students representing a multitude of ethnicities and languages.
This diversity, while a strength, presents unique challenges in ensuring all students and their families receive the support they need to thrive academically and socially.
Understanding the critical need for effective communication within its diverse community, MCPS has embraced a groundbreaking solution: the LanguageLine app. This innovative tool is now available to all MCPS staff, marking a significant leap forward in bridging the language divide between educators and English Language Learners (ELLs) and their families.
An Innovative Solution
The LanguageLine app provides on-demand audio interpretation services accessible via smartphones, tablets, desktop computer, and other devices. This technology enables MCPS employees to connect instantly with professional interpreters fluent in more than 240 languages, including American Sign Language. The goal is clear: to deliver total understanding to students and families in their preferred language, thereby enhancing the educational experience and fostering a more inclusive school environment.
Parents Can Also Request an Interpreter
MCPS parents and other family members can also request a LanguageLine interpreter for parent-teacher conferences or other communication.
The process is straightforward and user-friendly. Should a parent call an MCPS school or office, or arrive in person, and express a need for language support by stating, "I speak [language]," staff members can quickly connect with a LanguageLine interpreter. By dialing a toll-free number and following simple step-by-step instructions, educators can bridge the communication gap, ensuring that no family is left behind due to language barriers.
Enriching the Cultural Journey
This service is not just about facilitating conversation; it's about enriching the educational journey for ELLs and their families. From parent-teacher conferences to guidance counselor appointments, and from providing in-language educational materials to supporting Deaf or Hard of Hearing students, LanguageLine empowers MCPS staff to communicate effectively and compassionately with every member of their diverse community.
How Interpretation Impacts English Language Learners
The implications of this partnership are profound. Language barriers have long been a significant obstacle to equal educational opportunities, often resulting in disparities in academic performance among ELLs. By leveraging LanguageLine's services, MCPS is addressing this challenge head-on, ensuring that language proficiency is no longer a barrier to educational success or parental involvement.
Moreover, the initiative aligns with federal mandates requiring schools to provide language access solutions, further emphasizing MCPS's commitment to compliance and inclusivity. The statistics are telling: with 31% of the U.S. Hispanic population under 18 years of age and 10% of the U.S. K-12 student population classified as English language learners, the need for such services has never been greater.
The collaboration between MCPS and LanguageLine Solutions is more than just a service agreement; it's a partnership for progress. It represents a shared commitment to empowering students and families, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every student has the opportunity to succeed.
To learn more about our solutions for schools like yours, and to schedule a free consultation, please visit our website.