Senator Portantino Introduces Bill to Translate Student IEPs
For Immediate Release: February 13, 2023
Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400
Senator Portantino Introduces Bill to Translate Student IEPs
Sacramento, California –Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) introduced Senate Bill 445 today, which would address language barriers in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process by requiring that schools provide a translated IEP within 30 days upon request.
“SB 445 ensures that parents will be able understand their child’s IEP and be involved in their child’s academic life,” stated Senator Portantino. “Language barriers for children who face challenges is a hurdle we need to overcome. We should be doing everything we can early in a child’s academic life to provide the services necessary for them to reach their potential and achieve success.”
The IEP process has many steps and can be overwhelming and intimating for parents and guardians who are not familiar with the process or terminology - especially, if that person’s native language is not English. Although, verbal translators are made available to parents, guardians, or educational right holders during IEP meetings, some terms in documents or processes may be lost in translation. LEAs are required to provide translated copies of the IEP, if requested. The problem occurs when the LEA does not provide the translated IEP in a timely manner or when the translated IEP has not been translated accurately and not in the proper dialect.
“SB 445 is necessary so that non-native English speakers can meaningfully participate in their student’s IEP process,” stated Kristie Sepulveda-Burchit from Educate. Advocate.
SB 445 would require local education agencies, upon request by a parent, to translate the completed IEP, as well as any revisions to the IEP, in the native language of the parent within 30 days of the request. The bill would also require that translation of an IEP be done by a qualified translator.
“Families across the state of California are not able to read their child’s IEP, which is not only inequitable, but presents barriers to education,” stated Gabriela M. Torres, Managing Attorney for Youth Practice Group. “Mandating a timeline for translation will help address these inequities and allow access to a free and appropriate public education.”
"The IEP should be a clear, clarified, and connected document between parents, students, and the school,” stated Cedric Nelms, a parent, pastor, and community organizer for Innovate Public Schools. “It should be written in a way that includes the parent’s input. It should not be a document that leaves parents and students confused. It should be a document that is an evolving game plan for ultimate success of students and parents! "
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