Schools Have An Obligation To Provide Translated Documents
By Michelle Ball, California Education Attorney for Students since 1995 California is a diverse state, with many different cultures, nationalities and languages being spoken. Residents' children, regardless of language spoken by students or their parents, have the right to attend California public schools. Still, while non-English speaking students may attend classes (e.g. Spanish/English transition classes) which help them transition to English, their parents may remain non-English speakers. How do they stay informed about their child's school progress, development, and any issues which might arise? Education Code � 48985 mandates that documents be translated for non-English speaking parents if pupils speak a language other than English and total more than 15% of a school's population: "(a) If 15 percent or more of the pupils enrolled in a public school that provides instruction in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, speak a single ...