Redmond, Wash. & Bellevue, Wash. – We are excited to announce an innovative collaboration between Bellevue School District (BSD) and Lake Washington School District (LWSD) focused on improving Language Access services. This partnership aims to enhance the quality of interpreter services, ensuring that all students and families receive the support they need to thrive.
Started on October 15, this initiative includes two interpreter training sessions on Special Education Services, hosted at both LWSD and BSD locations. These training sessions will equip interpreters with comprehensive knowledge and skills related to Special Education, enabling them to effectively support our families during their communications with schools and specialists. By incorporating an equity-focused approach, this training aims to address and bridge gaps in communication, ensuring that every family with students receiving these services is met with understanding and sensitivity.
Additionally, the collaboration includes a shared interpreter pool to increase the availability of interpreters during school hours. This shared resource will help both districts manage their interpreter needs more efficiently, providing timely and effective support to students and families.
This initiative is being launched as a pilot program. Once successful, the plan is to share our findings with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and explore the possibility of expanding the collaboration to include other districts.
To date, there have been over 50 interpreters trained in this partnership. Subsequent trainings will be held jointly and cover a range of topics associated with ensuring equitable access to information for families in both school districts. “The first session was a great success, and we are thrilled to see the positive impact this collaboration will have on our communities,” said Virginia Ramirez Romero, Language Access Coordinator for Lake Washington School District. "My goal is to build a community among our interpreters, so they have a space to network and learn about our programs and services through these professional development opportunities.”
Mata Tilles Ramos, Language Access Coordinator for the Bellevue School District said of the partnership, “This innovative collaboration will have a significant impact on language access services offered in both districts. It was truly inspiring to witness the dedication of our interpreters, who are deeply committed to improving meaningful, two-way communication for students and families in need of language support in languages other than English."
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About Bellevue School District: The Bellevue School District, with over 19,000 students and 28 schools, is a diverse and dynamic district in East King County, Washington. Its mission is "To serve each and every student academically, socially, and emotionally through a rigorous and relevant education that is innovative and individualized. As a learning community that values one another's humanity, we provide courageous support for an equitable and exceptional education for all students."
About Lake Washington School District: Lake Washington School District is a high-performing public school district serving Kirkland, Redmond and Sammamish, Washington. It is the second largest district in the state of Washington with over 30,000 students in 55 schools. Its mission is “Each student will graduate prepared to lead a rewarding, responsible life as a contributing member of our community and greater society.”