Overview
EEC did not update its language access plan every two years. It was last updated in 2013.
Failure to regularly update the language access plan limits EEC’s ability to effectively communicate with, and serve, non-English speaking populations. This noncompliance could hinder access to vital educational services for those who rely on language assistance.
Authoritative Guidance
Section IV(a) of the Office of Access and Opportunity’s Language Access Policy and Implementation Guidelines, effective March 20, 2015, states, “After development and implementation of revised language access plans pursuant to these Guidelines, each Agency shall update its language access plan every two (2) years.”
Reasons for Not Updating Language Access Plan
EEC told us that former administrators had previously prioritized other initiatives and did not have a plan to update the language access plan during the audit period.
Recommendation
EEC should update its language access plan as soon as possible and every two years thereafter.
Auditee’s Response
EEC is committed to ensuring all families and providers have equitable and meaningful access to the programs, services, activities, and materials overseen and provided by the agency. Commissioner Kershaw was named Acting Commissioner in March 2022 and EEC began the work to update its Language Access Plan in June 2022. In September 2023, Governor Healey signed an Executive Order 615 requiring state agencies to develop or update their Language Access Plans. EEC finalized its updated Language Access Plan in February 2024.
Auditor’s Reply
Regularly updating the Language Access Plan is crucial for effectively communicating with and serving non-English-speaking populations. Failure to update this plan over the last decade is a failure of EEC’s oversight responsibility and hinders access to vital educational services for those who rely on language assistance and may limit EEC’s ability to meet the evolving needs of the diverse communities it serves.
We are pleased that EEC has taken steps to address this issue by finalizing its updated Language Access Plan. Moving forward, we encourage EEC to adhere to the requirement of updating its Language Access Plan every two years. This will help ensure ongoing compliance and enhance EEC’s ability to provide equitable access to all constituents.
| Date published: | November 25, 2024 |
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