Center for the Improvement of Student Learning (CISL)
Contact Information
The Legislature created the Center for the Improvement of Student Learning (CISL) to facilitate access to research, information, and materials on educational improvement (RCW 28A.300.130). CISL's work includes a specific focus on students who are underserved in our schools.
The Superintendent of Public Instruction appoints CISL's director. CISL's office is within OSPI, but it is not a part of any single division within the agency. Instead, CISL works in collaboration with OSPI staff, external partners, and families to address the academic and non-academic needs of all students.
CISL's mission is to connect people to the research, information, and tools they need to improve learning and teaching in our state.
Multi-Tiered System of Supports
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a framework for enhancing the adoption and implementation of a continuum of evidence-based practices to achieve important outcomes for every student.
What is the relationship between MTSS and Washington Integrated Student Supports (ISS) Protocol?
MTSS and the WA ISS Protocol work together to support the needs and inform the services for each and every student. MTSS is a framework that guides effective educational decision-making, and the ISS Protocol is a coordinated set of activities and practices within the MTSS framework.
Research Center and Clearinghouse
The Research Center and Clearinghouse (RCC) seeks to improve equitable educational opportunities for all students by mobilizing knowledge, from educational data, research, program evaluation, and other forms of systematic inquiry, to support equity-based policymaking and practice.
Language Access Technical Assistance Program
The Language Access Technical Assistance Program (LATAP) provides consultation, resources, and other supports for school districts as they expand language access services (primarily interpretation and translation) for families that require it.
For School Districts: Interpretation and Translation
Language Access Planning
Developing a language access plan is critical to ensuring that your school district communicates effectively with families with limited-English proficiency.
- The Language Access Self-Assessment serves to help identify a current baseline of language access services and to inform the creation of a language access plan.
- Glossary of Education Terms: See a Glossary of common Education Terms in Washington state. Please note, we are currently in the process of updating the glossaries and making them available in more languages. Glossary of Education Terms- Russian | Spanish | Somali | Vietnamese
Identifying Parents' Language Assistance Needs
School districts must have a process to determine parents' language needs, such as a home language survey or questions on an enrollment form about each parent's language needs. Make sure the enrollment form or home language survey is provided to every parent in a language they can understand.
- OSPI Home Language Survey translated in 40 languages
Informing Families About Their Rights
Schools should take steps to inform parents that free translation and interpretation services are available and how to request these services.
- Poster: We Can Help You in Your Language!
Use this multi-language poster to inform families how to request an interpreter or a translated document. - Important Document Notice
If a situation arises when a school is unable to translate a document immediately, consider including a notice on the document, translated into the parent's primary language (e.g. on pre-printed stickers) informing families that they can contact the school to have the document translated.
Sample Important Document Notice - in 22 languages
Interpreters & Translators
- Master Contract for Phone Interpretation Services
The Department of Enterprise Services has a contract for phone interpretation that schools or districts can arrange to use. Once a school or district has set up an account, users can access interpreters in more than 170 different languages, 24 hours a day, every day of the year (no appointment needed). The interpreter can even listen and identify the language that the parent is speaking. With a phone interpreter, school staff can communicate with families who need assistance through an interpreter on the phone. This service can also be used for in-person meetings with the interpreter on speaker phone.
Resources & Support
- "I Speak" Language Identification Flashcard (U.S. Census Bureau)
- Quality Indicators for Translation and Interpretation in K-12 (California Department of Education)
- LEP.gov is a clearinghouse of information, tools, and resources regarding language services.
For Families: Interpretation and Translation Services
Language Access Advisory Committee
Any questions about available services can be directed to the Language Access Team.