Language Access Plan

Longview Public Schools is committed to providing equitable access to education for all students and families, regardless of language proficiency. This Language Access Plan outlines the district’s strategies to ensure effective communication with parents and guardians with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). Key components include identification of individuals with LEP, provision of language services, staff training, and ongoing evaluation.

At Longview Public Schools, we are committed to communicating with all parents and guardians in a language they can understand. This includes providing information about district programs, services, and policies in their preferred language.

The Language Access Plan aims to:

• Provide staff members with the necessary resources to effectively communicate with parents and guardians with limited English proficiency.
• Equip parents and guardians with limited English proficiency with information to understand their rights and available services.

The district offers the following language services at no cost:

• In-Person and Video Interpretation: Available in multiple languages
• Phone Interpretation: Available in over 200 languages through Certified Languages International
• Document Translation: Vital documents will be translated upon request,
• Technology-Assisted Translation: The district has PocketTalk devices available for basic translation needs. Please note that machine translation has limitations and may not be accurate for all content.
• Remind: Remind allows for two-way text communication between staff and parents/guardians. Parents/guardians can set their preferred language in the mobile app settings.

Parents and guardians can access language services in the following ways:

• By Phone: If parents/guardians call their school and need an interpreter, they can ask for one. The staff will put them on hold and connect to an interpreter over the phone.
• In Person: If parents/guardians come into a school building, they can point to their preferred language on the language poster found at the entrance of every school office or verbally request an interpreter. The school staff will connect an interpreter over the phone or use the PocketTalk device.
• Remind: Parents/guardians are encouraged to download the Remind app on their mobile devices and register to receive communication from the district and the school in their preferred language.
• For questions about requesting an interpreter or document translation, parents/guardians can contact their school or the district office.

Staff members can access the following language access and services provided by the district:

• Sign Language Interpretation: Sign language interpretation services are available through district-contracted vendors and some in-house ASL interpreters both in-person and virtually. For ASL requests email Human Resources at HumanResources@longview.k12.wa.us
• Interpretation: The district has contracted vendors for trained interpreters. We also have an internal pool of on-call qualified and trained interpreters. Staff can request an in-person or Zoom interpreter by emailing Human Resources at HumanResources@longview.k12.wa.us
•  Translation: Staff can request a document translation through Human Resources at HumanResources@longview.k12.wa.us

Essential information, notifications, and announcements will be provided by in multiple languages through various channels:

• Language Posters: Language posters are displayed at every school’s main office. These posters allow visitors with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) to point to their language, ensuring they can be promptly directed to the appropriate language services.
• Website: Information is available on the district website in multiple languages, which also displays on smart phones. 
• Remind: The district uses Remind to communicate with families in their preferred languages.

All Longview Public Schools employees play an essential role in creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment for our diverse community. To support effective communication with all families, we are committed to providing comprehensive training and professional development in language access. This includes developing a training video, which staff will review annually during their What Every Employee Should Know (WEESK) training along with opportunities for ongoing professional development.

To maintain the highest quality of language services, the district will:

• Contract with vendors who can demonstrate that their translators and interpreters meet rigorous industry standards.
• Provide training opportunities for in-house translators and interpreters to enhance their skills and knowledge
• Ensure our in-house pool of interpreters and translators go through a rigorous hiring process, including proficiency testing in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both English and the non-English language. They will also complete training on ethics for interpreters, best practices, and receive resources.

The Language Access Plan will be evaluated annually through staff feedback and data analysis.

All staff members have a role in supporting families with limited English proficiency, including but not limited to principals, assistant principals, teachers, office staff, counselors, family resource advocates, school nurses, bus drivers, district staff and other personnel.

Rick Parrish, Executive Director of Communications and Operations

rparrish@longview.k12.wa.us

(360) 575-7991

Please contact the Communications Department for additional information or to request language services.

If you have concerns about the school’s interpretation or translation services – or if you were not offered an interpreter or translation you needed – you have several options.

Talk with your principal or a school employee you are comfortable with. A discussion with your school principal is often the best first step to address your concerns. Explain what happened, and let the principal know what they can do to help resolve the problem.

Talk with your school district. You can contact the Longview Public Schools Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Penny Andrews, at (360) 575-7004 or pandrews@longview.k12.wa.us to share your concerns.

Ask for help resolving your concerns. You can also contact the agencies below for more information about your rights or for assistance to resolve your concerns.

• Equity and Civil Rights Office: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction – (360) 725-6162 – k12.wa.us/equity
• Office of the Education Ombuds – 1-866-297-2597 – oeo.wa.gov