Language Access Plan

Purpose

The purpose of this plan is to document the procedures in place for the Zumbrota-Mazeppa ISD 2805(District) to ensure meaningful access to district services and information to limited English speakers (EL) in a language and format they can use and understand.

Authorities

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §2000 et seq.; Title VI, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq., was enacted as part of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.

U.S. Equal Educational Opportunity Act (EEOA); Federal law requires states and school districts to provide an equal educational opportunity to students learning English. States and districts must take “appropriate action” to “overcome language barriers.”

Minnesota Learning for English Academic Proficiency (LEAPS) Act of 2014, Chapter 272, H.F No. 2397, Article 1. The law has three principal goals for all EL students: 1) academic English proficiency; 2) grade-level content knowledge; and, 3) multilingual skills development.

Methods of Providing Services to Limited English Speakers

  • District website provides information to limited English speakers on where to quickly get help in a language and format they can use and understand.

  • Qualified interpreters and Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) Services are available through district contracts*.

  • Interpreter services are available through the Language Line*.

Interpreter Services

The District, without undue delay and at no cost to English learners (EL) or their families, provides meaningful access to agency information and services.

Translation of Documents

The District contracts with qualified translators or agencies to translate documents needed by EL families to access mandated or vital information or services.

Dissemination of Information to District Staff

The District provides language access training opportunities to all staff, which includes at least:

  • Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

  • How to work effectively with interpreters.

  • Cultural issues related to delivery of district information and services to EL.

  • Equipment and services available to District staff when working with limited English speakers.

Annual Review of Language Access Plan

This plan will be reviewed annually. It will be revised, if needed, based on data collected by the District during its delivery of information and services to limited English speakers throughout the year. This language Access Plan is available on the District website.

Language Access Plan Team Members

  • Ryan Barnick 

  • Brian Cashman

  • EL Teaching Team

    • Kim Bobb – Lake City Public Schools

    • Kelly Hassemer – Red Wing Public Schools

    • Anna Hermann – Goodhue Public Schools

    • Linda Hodgell – Goodhue Public Schools and Zumbrota-Mazeppa Public Schools

    • Bethany Jasin – Red Wing Public Schools

    • Casey O’Donnell – Red Wing Public Schools

    • Rebecca Quelle – Cannon Falls Area Schools and Kenyon-Wanamingo School District 

    • TBH

  • Cultural Liaisons

    • Iliana Espiricueta

    • TBH


*See Translation/Interpretation Flow Chart