Which languages should the Home Language Survey be administered in according to the guidelines?

The Home Language Survey should be administered in English and Spanish, or translated into the home language, to ensure that all parents and guardians can accurately complete the survey, regardless of their primary language. This inclusivity allows for a better understanding of the linguistic backgrounds of the students and helps schools to identify those who may require additional language support services.

By providing the survey in both English and Spanish, or translating it into the specific home languages of the families, schools can gather more accurate data about the language needs of their students. This aligns with best practices for ESL programs, which emphasize the importance of clear communication with families about their children's language development and educational needs.

Offering the survey in just one language or limiting it to only common languages may result in a lack of vital information about students who speak other languages at home, which can affect how schools provide language support. This practice ensures compliance with federal and state requirements to effectively support linguistically diverse populations in educational environments.