Agenda Item
a. Translation and Interpretation Services Approval from Alta Language Services, Language Integration, LLC, Language Line Services Translation Station, Inc., Zab Translation Solutions, Real Time Translation (a combined total not to exceed $1,000,000.00)
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of professional translation and interpretation services from the following vendors in excess of $100,000.00 with a combined total not to exceed $1,000,000.00 for the following vendors:
Alta Language Services
Language Integration, LLC
Language Line Services
Translation Station, Inc.
Zab Translation Solutions
Real Time Translation
Why: Due to combined spending from all schools and centers serving parents and students whose primary home language is other than English (PHLOTEs), the total cost of translation and interpretation services may exceed $100,000.00 for one or more of the service providers.
Details: The DeKalb County School District, as a local educational agency (LEA) receiving federal grants, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grants, has a legal obligation to maintain meaningful communication with parents and students who may not have English as their primary language. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and IDEA mandate that parental notices and communication must be in a language that the parents or guardians can understand. Services from approved agencies are included in the District’s agreement with the OCR to provide language support services to our linguistically diverse community. Additionally, interpretation services are required during Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.
The continuous increase in our linguistically diverse student and parent population has resulted in a higher demand for translation and interpretation services. Communication with the parents and guardians of these students is crucial for their academic performance. The DeKalb County School District currently serves over 25,967 students whose primary home language is other than English (PHLOTEs). The significant number of languages and dialects (171) spoken by our linguistically diverse community requires the use of several sources to ensure effective communication with all students and parents. Interpretation and translation services to communicate with students and parents are necessary to ensure equity and access to all our services and programs.
According to DJE III(B)(4), multiple vendors are used based on professional ability to provide translation/interpretation services in the requested languages district-wide for all schools.
Financial impact: The financial impact to the general funds for school year 2022-2023 will not exceed the amount of $1,000,000.00.
Department of English Learners Charge Code:
100.2100 530000.07711.7130.9990.6015.035.0000 (700,000.00)
Department of Exceptional Education Charge Code: 100.1000.530000.00011.7340.2021.8010.035.0000($250,000.00)
100.1000.530000.22711.7320.9990.8010.035.0000($50,000.00)
Contact: Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0731
Ms. Michele Summerlin, Executive Director, Exceptional Education, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.2163
Dr. Evelyn G. Hall, Director, English Learners Program/Title III and DeKalb International Screening Center, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.6602
Effective: July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023
Status: Reviewed by General Counsel
“COMMUNCATION, COMMUNITY, CONNECTION”
Our core value: Connecting communities through compassionate services
while breaking down communication barriers.
WHO WE ARE
Language Integration was formed in 2015 and is owned and operated by immigrants who understand
the communication barriers between two people who do not speak the same language nor share the
same culture. Our interpreters bridge those communication gaps! The owners have been in the indus-
try as interpreters, schedulers, coordinators for a combined 20 years.
As one of the fastest growing language services providers, our employees and interpreters know that
what they do matters. Together we are making a difference in communities through communication
and connections. Every day, we help hundreds of limited English speakers overcome communication
barriers, connect with their providers, build trust and grow as a community. It is this compassion for
helping others that drives our culture of excellent services!
OUR PROMISES TO YOU
We are committed to providing the best language services possible. In order to meet this promise,
we contract with trained and experienced interpreters and translators who share our core values:
communication, community and connection.
We will take care of you! We aim to build and maintain meaningful relationships with you. We will
take the time to get to know you and your language services needs.
The more we get to know you the better we become at anticipating your needs. We will do every-
thing in our power to exceed your expectations and ensure you have a positive experience at each
touch point.
We promise to listen—really listen– to you. We will ask the questions that truly matter. Your goals
become our goals and we will work tirelessly to achieve them.
OUR CLIENTS:
We are proud to serve the following clients: Atlanta Public Schools, Dekalb County Public School,
Gwinnett County Public School, Henry County Schools, Emory University Hospital and affiliates, Kaiser
Permanente.
OUR INTERPRETERS:
Our interpreters are trained to cover all aspects of the Special Education spectrum starting with an
evaluation, the eligibility meeting and then the Individualized Education Plan. Additionally, we are part
of connecting families with teachers through regular parent teacher conferences and student support
team meetings.
PO BOX 931762 Norcross, GA 30003 (770) 688-6183