Overview of the U.S. School System

Overview of the U.S. School System

Course description:

This module introduces interpreters to the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to work in K-12 educational settings. You will explore the structure of the U.S. school system, key legal requirements for language services, and best practices for interpreting in schools. Through interactive exercises, case studies, and real-world scenarios, you will learn how to navigate parent-teacher conferences, Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and other essential school interactions.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with strategies to ensure accurate, ethical, and culturally sensitive communication between educators, families, and students, with a focus on empowering multilingual and Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing families to actively participate in their children’s education.

Course length: 2 hours

Course access period: 60 days from purchase date

Note: Once purchased, course access cannot be paused. See our FAQ for information on purchasing course access extensions.

Course completion requirements: Pass one exit test (score of 70% or above).

Certificate: Downloadable certificate available immediately upon passing the exit test.

CEUs (pending)

• Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI): 2.5 CE hours
• International Medical Interpreters Association: 0.25 IMIA/NBCMI CEUs
• Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf: 0.25 RID CEUs
• Washington State Department of Social and Health Services: 2.50 DSHS General Credits

*Please note that there is an additional $20 processing fee, per program, for RID CEUs. To process your RID CEUs, please email your certificate of completion to our RID sponsor, Linguist Education Online, at admin@linguisteducationonline.co

Learning objectives:

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand key aspects of the U.S. school system by identifying and distinguishing between different school levels and recognizing how they function within the broader educational structure.
2. Explore the structure and organization of K-12 schools in the U.S., gaining insight into how federal, state, and local governments shape education policies.
3. Examine different types of schools, including public and private institutions, as well as charter and magnet schools.
4. Understand the legal framework that governs language assistance in schools, including federal laws such as Title VI, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as well as state and local regulations that impact language access services.
5. Recognize the importance of parental participation in the education system and the critical role interpreters play in facilitating meaningful engagement between families and schools, with special focus on ensuring meaningful access to quality education for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students and their families.

What you will get:

• Special Guest Feature: Judy Cortes, PhD, CA-CCI, CSI
• Your Instructor: Liliana Dinu, MATI, CHI-Spanish
• 7 interactive exercises, including a role-play available in 4 language pairs
• An in-depth exploration of K-12 educational settings, including parent-teacher conferences, IEP meetings, and school board interactions
• Access to Introduction to Educational Interpreting and Translation: A Guide to Effective Practices – eBook format
• A course completion certificate to showcase your expertise in educational interpreting

How this course will improve your practice:

By completing this course, you will:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. school system, including its structure, policies, and legal requirements, enabling you to interpret more effectively in educational settings.
• Develop cultural competence by recognizing common misunderstandings and bridging cultural gaps between families and schools.
• Learn about federal and state mandates, such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, ADA, and IDEA, that govern language services in education.
• Refine your consecutive and simultaneous interpreting skills through hands-on role-plays and practical exercises tailored to real-world school interactions.
• Understand the role of interpreters in facilitating parental engagement in schools, helping families actively participate in their children's education.
• Learn why language access is essential for student success and how it strengthens relationships between families and schools.

This course is designed to empower interpreters with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to support multilingual students and families while upholding professional and ethical standards in K-12 education.

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