Montclair Elementary School Interpreter’s Role and Responsibilities Mrs. Grace Villalba School Interpreter Bridging the Language Gap Montclair Elementary School Ms. Kathy L. Wells, Principal A Premier DeKalb County School PowerPoint Presentation Created by Ms. Sophia Lindo

Interpreters must be provided Title III and Title VI Interpreters must be provided School districts were directed to take steps to help limited-English proficient students overcome language barriers and to ensure that they can participate meaningfully in the district’s educational programs States that persons of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) are not discriminatorily denied equal access to or an equal opportunity to benefit from health and social services programs on the basis of national origin.

Overall Role of Interpreter: The basic purpose of the interpreter is to facilitate understanding in communication between people who are speaking different languages Please note differences: Interpreter – spoken words Translator – written words

Specific Role of the Interpreter

Conduit Interpret everything that is said, exactly as it is said: add nothing, omit nothing, change nothing This is the “default” role of the interpreter which is to adopt unless he/she perceives a clear potential for misunderstanding

Clarifier Interpret what is said faithfully but in such a way that the listener can understand; check for understanding In this role, the interpreter adjusts, registers, makes word pictures of terms that have no linguistic equivalent (or whose linguistic equivalent will not be understood by the parent/student) and checks for understanding.

Interpreter Pre-Session I will be speaking in 1st person Pause often so that I can interpret accurately Everything will remain confidential Every word spoken will be interpreted Speak directly to the staff/parent Stop me if you have any questions

Email request is preferred for : Protocol of Services Email request is preferred for : Phone calls Please include Student’s Name Parent’s Name Phone Numbers and Purpose of Call For example: Behavior Issues, No Homework, No Class work, and/or Attendance, etc. ***Reminder: Emails also serve as documentation for staff between school and home

Conferences Please include date and time with request with at least 1 – 2 days notice of scheduled meeting to verify availability Unscheduled meetings should be notified to interpreter either in person or via phone call

Please email file and give at Translations Please email file and give at least 24-48 hours notice, depending on size of material and/or deadline Please refrain from using internet translations. They often convey the message inappropriately

For after hour interpretations and/or additional interpreters: Please contact administrative team to authorize and make request to the International Center

MONTCLAIR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Contact Information MONTCLAIR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EMAIL: Grace_Villalba@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us PHONE EXTENSION: 47333

We are all part of Montclair’s Team! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead