Effective communication is the foundation of equity in education, especially for multilingual families navigating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Yet, schools often make critical mistakes when working with spoken-language interpreters. Here are three common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Treating the IEP as a single meeting.
An IEP is a process, not an event. Interpreters need to be involved before, during, and after the meeting. Pre-meeting preparation ensures they understand terminology and cultural context. Post-meeting support helps clarify next steps for families. Solution: Build interpreter protocols into your MTSS framework, not just the meeting itself.

Mistake #2: Ignoring the link between language and culture.
Interpreting isn’t word-for-word translation, it’s cultural navigation. Families may have different views on disability or authority, and interpreters bridge those gaps. Solution: Treat interpreters as members of the professional team and partners who convey meaning, not just words.

Mistake #3: Failing to train staff.
Even skilled interpreters struggle when meetings move too fast or include jargon. Educators need training on pacing, eye contact, and collaboration. Solution: Offer specialized special education training and quality PD for  interpreters and staff around spoken language interpreting standards and ethics for IEPs.

Resources:

• Download the Interpreter IEP Checklist and Cultural Liaison vs. Interpreter Venn Diagram at PaTTAN.
• Explore our PaTTAN Training Calendar https://www.pattan.net/events/ for upcoming sessions on IEP interpretation for Interpreters and Educators.

For more information, contact: Maria Ronneburger, Educational Consultant & State Lead, English Learner Initiative
Email: mronneburger@PaTTAN.net