Summary
-
How can English Language Learners do better in math class? ELLs often understand math but struggle with English instructions. Translating content into native languages like Spanish improves comprehension, equity, and engagement.
-
What’s the best way to localize K–12 content for Spanish-speaking students? A math nonprofit partnered with LanguageLine to localize curriculum using human translation, automation, and integrated workflows, preserving rigor while making content accessible.
-
Why translate academic content for multilingual classrooms? Spanish materials and teacher tools boost ELLs’ confidence, vocabulary, and performance, helping more students succeed in both math and English.
Why Math Localization Is Essential for ELL Success in U.S. and Canadian Schools
In a bustling sixth-grade classroom, a student stares at a math problem projected on the screen. She’s eager to engage, but one thing stands in her way: language. The instructions are in English, and while she’s determined, comprehension is a challenge.
She is not alone.
Across the United States and Canada, the number of English Language Learners (ELLs) continues to grow. As of Fall 2023, more than 5.3 million ELL students were enrolled in U.S. public schools, representing about 10.6 percent of total enrollment. In Canadian provinces such as British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta, tens of thousands of students are also working to learn academic content while developing English proficiency.
For students still acquiring the language of instruction, math can be particularly challenging. Even when they grasp the concepts, limited vocabulary or inaccessible content can hold them back.
A 6th through 12th grade educational nonprofit decided to change that.
Challenge: Meeting Students Where They Are in Their Language
Our client has spent more than 35 years helping educators promote deep mathematical understanding through student-centered teaching. They collaborate with middle and high school math teams of all sizes, providing tools that elevate problem solving, communication, collaboration, and sense-making.
But there was one crucial step they hadn’t taken: translating their program for Spanish-speaking students.
For the first time, they sought to deliver their content in Spanish to better serve a growing number of ELLs. This wasn't just about translating individual lessons, but rethinking how language fundamentally shapes learning. They needed a reliable, scalable translation partner who understood educational equity, digital content workflows, and the nuances of academic language in both English and Spanish.
Solution: A Streamlined, Scalable Localization Partnership
To meet this challenge, our client partnered with LanguageLine to bring their vision to life.
Together, we developed a comprehensive translation and localization strategy that included:
- eLearning and website localization using human translation and smart automation tools
- Seamless content workflows using a Google Drive connector
- Technical support from our localization engineering experts
- Deep expertise in handling XML and content from various eLearning platforms
This collaboration ensures that math materials don’t just get translated; they’re transformed to preserve educational intent while promoting understanding across cultures. LanguageLine’s approach supported the team in preserving the clarity and rigor of the original curriculum while making it more accessible to every student, moving efficiently from concept to execution.
Outcome: Accessible Content for Every Learner
By offering materials in Spanish and equipping teachers with guidance for supporting ELLs, our client is advancing accessibility and equity in the classroom. Key enhancements include:
- Multilingual content delivery to support Spanish-speaking students
- Academic vocabulary development through word walls and clearly defined language objectives
- Focused resources that help students master the language of math while growing in confidence
These tools empower English Language Learners not just to participate, but to truly thrive.
What’s Next? Empowering Thousands Through Math and Language
This is just the beginning.
As the partnership with LanguageLine expands, our client is poised to impact hundreds of thousands of students, educators, and families across North America. By meeting learners where they are —linguistically and academically — they are helping build a more inclusive and confident generation of problem solvers.
Let’s Talk Solutions
LanguageLine is proud to support educational leaders in making content accessible, equitable, and empowering. Whether you are navigating eLearning localization, website translation, or creating multilingual teaching materials, we are here to help.
If your organization is ready to reach more learners, support educators, and honor the diversity of your communities, let’s talk. Together, we can make understanding possible in every language.
