Designed for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, K-12 Student Assessments are one of the main tools used by local governments to evaluate educational programs and by educators to help determine what works in learning environments. The results provide a complete picture of what teachers and students are doing in the classroom, however, language and cultural barriers could stand in the way of this goal in case of non-native speaking English students.

At Human Touch Translations we specialize in K-12 Assessments, with highly qualified interpreters to make sure the exams results accurately reflect the learning experiences of all kids, regardless of their background. Our ultimate goal is to ensure a better future for all multi-lingual children across the US by working at the state and local government levels, in several school districts and universities.

Since these assessments are periodically updated and reviewed, if students are unable to comprehend examination instructions or questions simply because they are not native English speakers, the whole process becomes flawed with misleading results. Language barriers also arise to deaf and hard of hearing students who face challenges when trying to communicate their concerns throughout the examinations.

Thinking of better ways to overcome these challenges, we have created the Students Without Barriers Program entirely dedicated to addressing this matter when partnering with school districts. When it comes to finding adequate professionals, we have a pool of highly qualified and experienced interpreters, many of whom have extensive background in education and understand the process both from the teachers’ and students’ perspective.

Interpreters at Human Touch Translations work in over 150 languages pairs and have undertaken rigorous training, possessing the background and experience necessary to interpret in an educational setting, especially in K-12 Assessments. In addition to offering Sign Language Interpreting for K-12 Student Assessments Programs, we also offer American Sign Language (ASL) services for daily learning development in the general education setting.

Romina Lago, Senior Project Manager in charge of arranging the ASL program at Human Touch Translations, explains: “Especially with sign language, since interpreters work with young students, even if all academic requirements are fulfilled on the part of the interpreter, we need the ‘human factor’ to work as well. If the interpreter and the student do not ‘bond’ or connect, the entire process fails, and miscommunication and frustration are the obvious consequences”.

How does Student Without Barriers Program work?

Human Touch Translations’ interpreters stay in the exam room with the students and help them throughout the process with a high level of professionalism while never forgetting the human touch. The personalized and human aspect is what differentiate us, allowing students to focus on the subject matter of the assessment examinations and reducing the stress level they naturally experience in these settings instead of struggling with the language barrier.

Children under special education programs are also covered by Human Touch Translations’ services. Individualized Education Programs (IEP) are a key component designed to meet every child’s unique educational needs. It describes the specific learning needs for each case, the services a school will provide, and how progress will be measured. Our team of highly trained linguists regularly translate IEP documents and provide interpreting services for IEP meetings.

Erika Nagy

Author Erika Nagy

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