• Frequently Asked Questions

     

    Can a school use machine translations like Google Translate?

    Using web-based automatic translators (e.g., Google Translate or DeepL) is appropriate if the translated document accurately conveys the meaning of the source document, including accurate translations of technical vocabulary. It is best practice to have a qualified person review and edit the translated document.

     

    Can a student or child be asked to interpret or translate?

    No. Schools should not rely on or ask students, siblings or other children to interpret for parents. The school should plan for and provide competent, adult interpreters and translators to communicate with parents.

     

    How can I translate an attachment or document?

    We recommend using Google Translate to translate something short or where retaining formatting is not a concern.

    1. Download and save the document.

    2. Go to translate.google.com.

    3. Click on the "Documents" button in the upper left-hand corner.

    4. Click on the "Browse your computer" button.

    5. Locate the document to translate.

    6. Select your desired language.

    7. Click on the "Translate" button.

    8. Select the "Download" translation button.

     

    We recommend using DeepL if you need your document or attachment translated into Brazilian Portuguese.

    1. Download and save the document.

    2. Go to deepl.com/translator.

    3. Click on the "Translate files" button in the upper left-hand corner.

    4. Click on the "Select from your computer" button.

    5. Locate the document to translate.

    6. A data privacy notice will pop up. To continue, you must click the "Confirm" button.

    7. Select your desired language.

    8. Click on the "Translate" button.

    How do I translate a Google form?

    1. To translate Google forms, open the form using the Google Chrome browser.
    2. Right-click on the form. 
    3. Select "Translate" from the popup menu. 
    4. Another menu will open in the top right corner of the address bar. Click the three dots next to the detected language and select "Choose another language."
    5. Choose your desired language from the dropdown menu and click the Translate button.

     

    Here is a video tutorial: How to Translate Google Forms.

     

    How does the program work?

    Your child will be placed in a regular classroom with English-speaking peers. In class, your child’s teacher will make the content being taught as accessible as possible to your child. An EL teacher will also work with your child either one-on-one or in a small group of other students in the EL program to provide your child with direct English instruction. This may take place outside of your child’s regular classroom or in their classroom and will occur several times a week or daily.

     

    How long will my child be in the program?

    Your child will be assessed each year to see how their English language skills are progressing. The assessments will determine if your child is proficient in listening, speaking, reading and writing. If your child is proficient and the EL teacher and classroom teacher agree that your child no longer needs to be in the program, your child will be exited from the program. A notification letter will come home to you that you need to sign and return to school.

     

    I received an email in a language I don't understand well or at all. How can I translate it?
    Gmail may automatically detect that a message is in a different language. In these cases, select the “Translate message” link.

     

    To manually translate the message, click on the "More" button, the three vertical dots on the upper right-hand corner next to the reply button, then choose “Translate message“ and select your preferred language.

     

    Here is a video tutorial to walk you through this process: How to Translate Gmail Messages.

     

    What are the assessments my child will take and when will they take place?

    ACCESS (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State for
    English Language Learners).

     

    The ACCESS tests your child on their abilities in listening, speaking, reading and writing. The ACCESS is given during January or February.

     

    The ELL teachers use the scores from ACCESS to determine if your student will continue in the ELL program the following year or when they will be released.

     

    What is the difference between an interpreter and a translator?

    An interpreter is a person who provides an oral translation between speakers who speak different languages. Interpreters can be arranged for parent conferences, school meetings or any other information that needs to be communicated to parents in a language they understand.

     

    A translator is someone who translates a written document from one language to another.

            
    What is the English Language Learner Program?

    The English Language Learner (EL) Program is designed to provide direct English instruction and academic support for students who speak a language other than English at home and have been identified as being limited-English speaking or non-English speaking.
                       
    Why is my child in the EL program?

    When you registered for school in Ashland, you filled out a Home Language Survey and indicated that a language other than English is spoken in your home. Based on this information, we assessed your child’s English language in speaking, listening, reading and writing. We use the test scores to determine if your child should be in the EL program. This program will provide your child with direct English instruction and academic support to help your child be as successful as possible in school.