The Essential Role of Professional Interpreters in K-12 Education

This article was originally written by Vadim Petrov, Director of Client Solutions, and Matias Gunn, Director of Client Success Management at Ad Astra, and was first published by District Administration, a leading source for K-12 education news. The version below has been adapted for the Ad Astra website to reflect our direct work with school districts and our continued commitment to equitable language access in education.

We believe that communication shouldn’t be a barrier to student success. As classrooms across the U.S. grow increasingly diverse, clear communication between educators and families is more essential than ever. For the 5 million+ English Language Learner (ELL) students in public schools, language access is not just helpful—it’s critical.

Why Professional Interpreters Matter in Education

More than 10% of students in public schools are ELLs, and in some states, that figure rises to 20% or more. These students come from households where English may not be the primary language—making school engagement, progress tracking, and academic support especially challenging for parents.

💡 When schools provide qualified interpreters, they foster stronger family engagement, improve student outcomes, and reduce dropout rates. At Ad Astra, we see this impact every day—especially during parent-teacher conferences and IEP meetings.

The Ad Astra Approach to K-12 Interpretation

We currently support districts in Georgia, Maryland, and Delaware by providing interpreters in languages like Spanish, Mandarin, Amharic, Korean, and Arabic. Our work includes:

• On-site and virtual interpretation for parent-teacher meetings

• On-demand over-the-phone interpreting for real-time school needs

• Document translation for IEPs, report cards, policies, and disciplinary notices

We work closely with administrators and CSMs to ensure schools can serve all families—without sacrificing time, accuracy, or compliance.

What Happens When Schools Rely on Untrained Interpreters?

Many districts still lean on bilingual staff, students, or family members to interpret. While well-intentioned, this practice can lead to:

• Inaccurate translations of IEPs or medical concerns

• Confidentiality issues and FERPA violations

• Lower trust between families and educators

According to the ATA, 60% of school districts used non-professional staff for interpreting at least once in the past year—often risking miscommunication or noncompliance.

The Results Speak for Themselves

Districts that invest in professional interpreters see measurable improvements:

• Higher test scores: ELL students whose families attend meetings with interpreters perform better

• Better attendance: Families who understand school policies keep kids in school

• Stronger classroom engagement: Students feel more supported and confident

• Increased parent participation: Language access fosters inclusivity and belonging

Legal Compliance: Title VI & Your District’s Responsibility

Language access is not just best practice—it’s the law. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, schools are required to provide meaningful access to LEP families. Failure to do so can result in:

• Federal complaints and investigations

• Risk of funding loss

• Widening educational disparities

Professional interpretation services ensure compliance and protect your district.

Modern Solutions: Technology Meets Language Access

Thanks to technology, supporting families has never been easier. Our Ad Astra Connect platform enables on-demand access to interpreters across 300+ languages. And when schools use video conferencing for virtual parent-teacher meetings, we provide interpreters through the platform of your choice.

We help districts:

✅ Set up over-the-phone interpreting

✅ Provide video remote interpretation (VRI)

✅ Deliver document translation for school-wide communications

Building Equity Through Language Access

Language support isn’t a luxury—it’s an equity issue. ELL families want to be involved. By ensuring access to trained interpreters, your school district can:

• Create more inclusive learning environments

• Foster stronger trust with families

• Support better academic and social outcomes for ELL students

Ready to improve language access in your school district?

Let’s connect and discuss how Ad Astra can support your district’s needs. Whether you're looking for on-site support, on-demand solutions, or long-term planning—we’re here to help.

📧 Contact us today for a free consultation or to learn more.