District 196 unveils comprehensive language access plan to engage multilingual families

At the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School Board meeting on January 13, 2025, the spotlight was on the district's ambitious Language Access Plan, aimed at ensuring that all families can engage fully in their children's education, regardless of the language they speak. Jenne d'Canino, the multilingual communication specialist, emphasized the plan's alignment with the district's strategic priorities of equity and community engagement.

The plan is a comprehensive effort to enhance communication with families who speak over 120 different languages. Nearly 3,000 students currently receive English language development support, and the district has utilized over 67,000 minutes of interpretation services this year alone. The initiative not only focuses on translation and interpretation but also aims to foster a welcoming environment for multilingual families.

Key components of the plan include training staff on available language resources, gathering feedback from families, and implementing best practices for communication. The district is already ahead of Minnesota's upcoming requirements for language access plans, showcasing its commitment to inclusivity.

Several school representatives shared success stories. Donzel Dixon from Greenleaf Elementary highlighted the effective use of over-the-phone interpretation services and the importance of cultural family advocates in making families feel welcome. Logan Schultz from EchoPark Elementary noted that their staff accessed on-demand interpreting services for over 11,000 minutes in just one year, demonstrating a strong commitment to multilingual communication.

Apple Valley High School's Bill Blotstein discussed the integration of video interpretation services during parent-teacher conferences, allowing for real-time communication in various languages. This approach not only improves accessibility but also enhances the overall experience for families.

The meeting underscored the district's dedication to creating an inclusive educational environment, where every family feels valued and empowered to participate in their child's learning journey. As the Language Access Plan moves forward, the district anticipates even greater engagement and success among its diverse community.