How Does Language Access Help Parents Support Their Children’s Education?

Education doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s a partnership between schools and families. But for millions of parents across the U.S. who don’t speak English fluently, that partnership is often harder to maintain. When families can’t fully understand school communications, their ability to support their children’s education is severely limited.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), more than 5.3 million students in U.S. public schools are English Learners (ELs), accounting for roughly 1 in 10 students nationwide. Many of these students come from households where English is not the primary language, meaning their parents may struggle to read report cards, understand Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, or communicate effectively with teachers.

Without language access, these parents can unintentionally become disconnected from their child’s academic life. A 2024 Education Week report found that nearly 70% of Spanish-speaking parents said language barriers made it difficult to attend school events or meetings. That lack of engagement can lead to misunderstandings about student progress, missed opportunities for early intervention, and a greater sense of isolation for both students and families.

The research is clear: parental involvement is one of the strongest predictors of student success. Studies show that when parents can engage meaningfully, by attending meetings, discussing homework, and communicating with educators, students earn higher grades, have better attendance, and exhibit improved behavior.

This is where professional interpretation becomes vital. Over-the-Phone Interpretation (OPI) and Video Remote Interpretation (VRI) services allow schools to bridge the communication gap instantly, connecting educators with qualified interpreters in over 100 languages.

How Do OPI and VRI Help Schools Communicate Better?

When language barriers stand in the way, even the simplest school interactions can become a source of frustration for parents. Scheduling a meeting, understanding a disciplinary notice, or discussing a child’s academic progress may require complex vocabulary or nuanced communication, which is why professional interpretation is so important.

OPI offers schools an instant, accessible solution for day-to-day communication needs. Teachers and administrators can connect with a professional interpreter within seconds, facilitating quick conversations about attendance, transportation, school forms, or classroom performance. This flexibility allows schools to reach families when needed, whether during drop-off, after school hours, or in emergencies, without having to rely on bilingual staff or delay communication.

Meanwhile, VRI adds an invaluable human dimension. Through secure video connections, educators and parents can communicate face-to-face, even when they’re in different locations. Visual cues, like facial expressions and body language, help interpreters convey tone and emotion, which is especially critical in sensitive situations such as discussing academic struggles, special education plans, or behavioral concerns.

For parents who are already facing the challenges of supporting their child in an unfamiliar language and culture, this understanding and empathy make a profound difference. With interpretation, parents can:

• Participate meaningfully in parent-teacher conferences and school meetings.
• Understand and provide input on IEP or 504 plans.
• Ask questions confidently about their child’s assignments, grades, or behavior.
• Stay informed about safety updates, health protocols, and extracurricular opportunities.

For schools, the benefits are equally clear. OPI and VRI enable educators to maintain regular, accurate communication with families, reducing misunderstandings, increasing engagement, and ensuring compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which mandates language access for limited-English-proficient (LEP) individuals in federally funded programs.

Ultimately, these services help create stronger partnerships between schools and families. When parents feel heard and included, they’re more likely to reinforce classroom lessons at home, attend school events, and collaborate with teachers, leading to measurable improvements in student achievement, attendance, and well-being.

Why Partner with DTS for Educational Interpretation?

At DTS Language Services, we believe that when families feel understood and valued, it strengthens the entire school community. It shapes how parents engage with teachers, how students approach learning, and how trust grows between schools and families.

Our OPI and VRI services are built to help schools and districts deliver equitable access for every family, regardless of the language they speak at home. Whether it’s a quick update about attendance or an in-depth meeting about a student’s progress, our interpreters make sure every word is heard and every voice matters.

With over 50 years of experience supporting communication across critical sectors like education, healthcare, and life sciences, DTS combines technical precision with genuine compassion. Our nationwide network of certified interpreters offers:

• On-demand access to over 100 languages, 24/7, ensuring no parent has to wait to be understood.
• Confidential, IRB-compliant communication, safeguarding privacy and trust.
• Culturally aware interpreters with training in educational settings, equipped to handle conversations with sensitivity and professionalism.
• Fast, secure connections that integrate smoothly into school workflows, whether in the classroom, the office, or virtual meetings.

Every call or video session is managed with care, accuracy, and empathy. From the first hello to the last word, our interpreters help build bridges between educators and families because every parent deserves to participate fully in their child’s education.

At DTS Language Services, we’re proud to be part of that mission. Through our OPI and VRI solutions, we’re helping schools across the country make sure that no family is left out of the conversation.