1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. Specific Role of the Interpreter

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. Email request is preferred for :
Protocol of Services
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: s also serve as documentation
for staff between school and home

9. 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

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

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

12. MONTCLAIR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Contact Information
MONTCLAIR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PHONE EXTENSION: 47333

13. 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