You signed in with another tab or window. Reload to refresh your session.You signed out in another tab or window. Reload to refresh your session.You switched accounts on another tab or window. Reload to refresh your session.Dismiss alert
description: "Discover how AI tools simplify communication, translate documents, and foster inclusive engagement for diverse and multilingual families."
Copy file name to clipboardExpand all lines: learn-pr/cela-accessibility/communicate-families-multilingual-learners/2-translate-simplify-written-communication.yml
title: "Simplify and translate written communication"
3
+
title: "Translate and simplify written communication"
4
4
metadata:
5
-
title: "Simplify Written Communication Fast"
5
+
title: "Translate and Simplify Written Communication"
6
6
description: "Simplify and translate technical content into plain language using AI tools. Ensure clarity, accuracy, and cultural relevance efficiently."
Copy file name to clipboardExpand all lines: learn-pr/cela-accessibility/communicate-families-multilingual-learners/3-make-live-meetings-accessible.yml
title: "Make live meetings accessible to families"
3
+
title: "Make live meetings accessible"
4
4
metadata:
5
5
title: "Make Live Meetings Accessible"
6
6
description: "Learn how to make live meetings inclusive for families by using captions, accessibility features, and follow-up tools to improve engagement."
Copy file name to clipboardExpand all lines: learn-pr/cela-accessibility/communicate-families-multilingual-learners/4-offer-flexible-engagement-options.yml
title: "Offer flexible engagement options to families"
3
+
title: "Offer flexible engagement options"
4
4
metadata:
5
-
title: "Flexible Engagement Options Overview"
5
+
title: "Offer Flexible Engagement Options"
6
6
description: "Explore strategies to support families with asynchronous tools, such as recordings, translations, and summaries. Learn more about inclusivity today."
Copy file name to clipboardExpand all lines: learn-pr/cela-accessibility/communicate-families-multilingual-learners/5-reflection-exercise.yml
+2-2Lines changed: 2 additions & 2 deletions
Original file line number
Diff line number
Diff line change
@@ -4,9 +4,9 @@ title: "Reflect on communication with multilingual families"
4
4
metadata:
5
5
title: "Reflect on Communication Practices"
6
6
description: "Learn to improve your communication practices for multilingual families using AI tools. Explore inclusive strategies and document actionable changes."
description: "Learn inclusive strategies to communicate with multilingual families by using translation, accessibility tools, and culturally responsive practices."
Building strong relationships with families is essential for student success, but language differences and complex educational terminology often create barriers. This module explores how educators can use AI tools to make communication clear, inclusive, and culturally responsive. You'll learn practical strategies for translating documents, simplifying technical language, and making live and asynchronous meetings accessible for multilingual families and parents with disabilities. By the end, you'll be equipped to create communication that fosters trust and engagement.
2
-
3
-
## At the end of this module, you will be able to:
4
-
5
-
- Identify common barriers to effective communication with families and multilingual learners, including language differences and complex terminology.
6
-
- Apply AI tools, such as Copilot and Microsoft Translator, to translate and simplify educational documents for families.
7
-
- Utilize strategies to make both written and live meeting communications accessible and culturally responsive for all families, including those with disabilities.
8
-
- Evaluate and revise communication to ensure clarity, inclusiveness, and engagement with diverse family communities.
1
+
Clear, supportive communication with families is essential, and educators already bring deep expertise in building those relationships. At the same time, language differences and complex educational terminology can make conversations harder for families to fully access. This module shows how AI tools, used thoughtfully and with professional oversight, can take on some of the time‑consuming pieces, like translating documents or simplifying technical language, so you can stay focused on connection and care. You'll explore practical ways to make live and asynchronous meetings more accessible for multilingual families and for parents with disabilities. By the end, you'll have strategies that preserve your voice, reflect your judgment, and make communication more efficient without replacing the human trust at the heart of every family partnership.
Families need clear, understandable information to support their child’s learning. Technical documents like IEPs and progress reports often contain jargon that can confuse multilingual families, creating barriers to engagement.
1
+
Families need clear, understandable information to support their child's learning, and educators already work hard to make complex information accessible. Documents like IEPs and progress reports can include technical language that feels overwhelming creating unintentional barriers to partnership.
2
2
3
-
One way to remove these barriers is to use Copilot to rewrite content in plain language and then use Microsoft Translator to translate documents into the family’s preferred language. This combination ensures accuracy and cultural responsiveness while saving time.
4
-
5
-
Educators should create both an English version and a translated version of IEP goals:
6
-
1. Open the document in Microsoft Word.
7
-
2. Use Copilot to rewrite the IEP goal in plain language.
8
-
3. Go to **Review → Language → Translate** to translate the text into the family’s preferred language.
9
-
4. Add a note indicating the translation was generated using AI tools.
10
-
5. Save and share securely.
11
-
12
-
This ensures the message is clear, culturally appropriate, and easy for families to act on.
3
+
To remove barriers for families, educators can use tools like Copilot and Microsoft Translator to make complex information clearer while staying firmly in control of the message. Start with the English version of an IEP goal or progress update in Microsoft Word, then use Copilot to rewrite the content in plain, parent‑friendly language without changing its intent. Review the wording to ensure it reflects your professional judgment and the student's needs. When ready, use Microsoft Translator by selecting the **Review Tab** > **Language** > **Translate** > Choose **Translate Selection** or **Translate Document** to provide a version in the family's preferred language, noting that the translation was generated with AI. This workflow saves time on manual rewriting and translation checks, keeps educators' expertise at the center, and helps families receive information that is accurate, culturally responsive, and easy to act on.
Real‑time conversations can exclude families who speak different languages or parents with disabilities, leading to misunderstandings and disengagement. Inclusive meetings promote collaboration and confidence.
1
+
Real-time conversations can exclude families who speak different languages or parents with disabilities, leading to misunderstandings and disengagement. Inclusive meetings foster collaboration and confidence. Educators should guide families on enabling Live Captions in Microsoft Teams, which must be turned on individually by each participant.
2
2
3
-
Teachers can guide families to turn on Live Captions in Microsoft Teams.
3
+
4
4
5
-
> [!TIP]
6
-
> You can use Live Captions in Teams for both in‑person and virtual meetings.
5
+
## Steps for families during a meeting:
7
6
8
-
### Steps for Families During a Meeting
7
+
During the meeting:
8
+
1. Select More actions > Language and speech > Show live captions.
9
+
2. Confirm spoken language is correct.
10
+
1. If Teams Premium is available, select Translate to and choose the preferred language for captions.
11
+
1. Families can adjust caption style (font size, color, position) via Caption settings.
9
12
10
-
1. Select **More actions → Language and speech → Show live captions**.
11
-
2. Confirm the spoken language.
12
-
3. If Teams Premium is available, select **Translate to** and choose a preferred language.
Captions are not saved automatically. Educators should enable Transcription during the meeting for a written record. If district privacy policies allow, record the meeting and share translated transcripts afterward.
16
16
17
-
- Captions are not saved automatically.
18
-
- Teachers should enable transcription during the meeting for a written record.
19
-
- If district privacy policies allow, the meeting can be recorded and translated afterward.
17
+
> [!TIP]
18
+
> Check in with your district about best practices regarding multilingual parent engagement.
20
19
21
-
###Accessibility Features for Parents with Disabilities
20
+
## Accessibility features for parents with disabilities
22
21
23
-
Educators should offer:
24
-
- Accessible transcripts
25
-
- High‑contrast caption settings
26
-
- Plain‑language directions
27
-
- Alternative formats (audio summaries, accessible documents)
22
+
Provide additional supports such as accessible transcripts for screen reader users, high-contrast caption settings, and clear instructions in plain language. Offer alternative formats (audio summaries or accessible documents) for parents who may have vision or learning disabilities. These steps ensure that all families can fully engage and process meeting content.
28
23
29
-
These steps ensure all families can fully engage with meeting content.
24
+
## Follow-up communication
30
25
31
-
### Follow‑Up Communication
26
+
Use Copilot in Outlook or Word to write friendly follow-up emails or messages for families. You can summarize key points in multiple languages and accessible formats. Example prompt: "Create a meeting summary in English and Spanish with bullet points suitable for our parental communication app."
32
27
33
-
Use Copilot in Outlook or Word to write friendly follow‑up emails or messages summarizing key points in multiple languages and accessible formats.
28
+
> [!TIP]
29
+
> For more information on accessibility tools for Teams, visit [*Accessibility tools for Microsoft Teams*](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/accessibility-tools-for-microsoft-teams-2d4009e7-1300-4766-87e8-7a217496c3d5)
0 commit comments