Everything you need to know, from classroom questions to federal compliance
LanguageBridge is a Chrome extension and the first language accessibility screen reader built for preliterate ESL students. We built it as a toolbar that follows students on every window they open. No tab-switching required. It answers the question many teachers have: what do I do with this student that doesn't know English?
For teachers, nothing changes. No new platforms. No passwords. No disruption. We offer a 3-hour professional development session for best practices and classroom integration, but the tool is intuitive enough to use right away. Students need zero training. They just highlight text and hit play.
Everything. One toolbar includes all three tools: Audio Translation, Tiered Language Glossary, and Talk to Teacher. Students highlight text, hit a play button, and a second later they hear it read in their native language. It works on Google Docs, PDFs, and is seamlessly integrated into Google Classroom. No separate logins, no multiple platforms. It just works.
Currently 9 languages with more coming. We prioritize languages based on refugee resettlement patterns and district requests. Audio support is available for all languages to support preliterate students.
Read&Write is excellent for students who can already read. LanguageBridge is specifically designed for preliterate students who need to HEAR content in their language to access it. Read&Write assumes literacy in at least one language; LanguageBridge doesn't. Microsoft Immersive Reader only works within Microsoft products (not Google Classroom), while LanguageBridge works anywhere. Many districts use both: Read&Write for their general multilingual population and LanguageBridge for their most vulnerable preliterate SLIFE students.
Google Translate doesn't support Dari audio. Translator paraprofessionals cost hourly rates. Live phone translators charge per minute. So schools do what thousands of districts do: they use another student to translate. That student becomes a privacy risk, not out of carelessness, but because there are no better options. LanguageBridge gives students control of their own learning from day one, with no FERPA violations and no shame.
Just Chrome 90+ or any Chromebook with internet access. IT installs via Google Admin Console in 30 minutes. No extra software, no servers, no configuration needed. Works on standard school networks with content filters. Requires HTTPS access to Azure Cognitive Services (standard SSL, no firewall changes).
Complete implementation takes 3 weeks: Week 1 - IT installs via Google Admin Console (30 minutes), Week 2 - Teacher professional development (3 hours), Week 3 - Students independently accessing grade-level content with translation and communication tools. No complex setup, no servers to configure, no ongoing maintenance required.
None. Zero. We do not store, track, or collect any student data. Translations happen in real-time and are never saved. We don't track what students translate, when they use the tool, or any personally identifiable information. This is by design to ensure FERPA and COPPA compliance. Your IT department can verify this through our technical documentation.
Google Translate doesn't support Dari audio. It requires literacy to use. It has no FERPA-specific data protection agreements, and student data may be used for AI training. It doesn't build language skills, doesn't integrate with curriculum, and doesn't provide teacher communication tools. Schools have federal obligations under Title VI and the Equal Educational Opportunities Act. LanguageBridge addresses all of these gaps with purpose-built tools and compliance documentation.
Three critical differences: (1) Compliance: We're FERPA/COPPA compliant with zero data tracking. Google Translate uses student data to train AI. (2) Audio Support: We read translations aloud for preliterate students. Google Translate requires reading ability. (3) Educational Tools: We provide teacher communication and academic glossaries. Google Translate only translates.
Yes. Districts receive $900 million annually in Title III funding. The money exists. LanguageBridge qualifies under Title III, special education budgets (for SLIFE students with IEPs), assistive technology budgets, and general instructional materials. We provide budget justification letters and compliance documentation to make the funding process straightforward.
Yes. LanguageBridge is live on the Chrome Web Store. Contact us at contact@languagebridge.app to set up a free trial for your school or district.
Our team is here to help. Reach out and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.