Title III funds may be used to support translation and interpretation services only when they directly align with the family outreach and training activities authorized under Title III, specifically§3115(c)(3)(A), (d)(6), or (e)(A). These services must be supplemental in nature and designed to enhance the Title III-funded language instruction educational program (LIEP).

However, Title III funds may not be used to cover translation or interpretation services that are required under other federal mandates, such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (Lau), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), or Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). These obligations fall under separate compliance requirements and must be funded accordingly.

Per the supplement, not supplant provision [Sec.3115 (g)]. Title III funds cannot be used to pay for services that are already required and funded under other federal programs.

Examples of Allowable Use:

• Translating communications, outreach materials, and training sessions exclusively for families of multilingual learners (MLs) participating in a Title III-specific language program.
• Providing interpretation services at events or programs designed to fulfill Title III outreach objectives under §3115(c)(3) – where the purpose is to enhance and supplement the Title III-A LIEP.

Scenario 1 – Family Literacy Services under Title III-A

The district’s Title III-A plan includes provisions authorized under §3115(d)(6)(B), which support family literacy services designed to empower families as active participants in the language development of their multilingual learners (MLs). To ensure equitable access, communication regarding these services—and potentially the services themselves—may be translated or interpreted for parents and guardians of students served under Title III.

Use of Title III funds for these translation and interpretation services is allowable, as these services are supplemental and not mandated by federal law.

Scenario 2 – Family-Teacher Conferences

The district is organizing family-teacher conferences and has proactively translated invitations into multiple languages. Interpreters will be available during the conferences to support families with limited English proficiency.

Title III funds may not be used for these translation and interpretation services, as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act already requires that schools provide meaningful access to information in a language families can understand. These are considered federally required services and must be funded through local or other non-federal sources.

Scenario 3 – Meetings on English Language Proficiency (ELP) Assessments

A school is hosting informational meetings specifically for ML families to discuss the WIDA ACCESS assessment and its results. These meetings are targeted solely to families of students in the Multilingual Learners Program (MLP).

Title III-A funds may not be used for translation or interpretation in this context, as communicating assessment results is a core responsibility of the district and must be locally funded.

However, Title I funds may be used if the district is implementing a supplemental language instructional program under Title I. In such cases, translation and interpretation services related to that program are allowable under Title I [§1112(e)(3)(A)].