Portage Township Schools families who speak a language other than English will now be able to effectively communicate with staff members at their child’s school thanks to a new translation program implemented at our schools.
PTS has partnered with Acutrans to offer translation services to families and staff at each of our school buildings and service centers. The Acutrans Video Remote Interpreting system may be used with families in events such as parent/teacher conferences, case conferences, school visits, and more. The system leverages the power of technology to break down language barriers so that school staff and families can best collaborate on our students’ educational goals and pathway to success.
When translation services are needed, the staff member will log into the Acutrans system on an iPad, input the languages needing translation, and be connected via video conferencing with a live individual who will translate between staff and families. On-demand services are available in 38 different languages.
PTS Grants & Assessments director Linda Williams implemented the service as an enhancement to our established English Language Development program.
“We understand the importance of partnering with parents, and a big part of that is communicating information to parents in a language they understand,” Williams said. “Through the use of this service, we can help families understand their child’s academic progress and needs.”
PTS superintendent Dr. Amanda Alaniz is excited to be able to break down language barriers so the school and families can partner together to meet students’ educational goals.
“Students have the greatest opportunity to succeed when staff and families can meet to create a shared educational plan for our students,” Alaniz said. “This translation service makes language barriers obsolete, allowing our students’ education to be the primary focus of our meetings and conversations with families.”