What is an ethical approach to reporting results to guardians with limited health literacy?

• A. Present results in plain language with explanations of what scores mean and practical supports, while maintaining confidentiality.
• B. Provide only raw scores with no interpretation.
• C. Use highly technical language to impress stakeholders.
• D. Publicly post guardian results.

Answer: (A)

Communicating results to guardians who may have limited health literacy means delivering information in plain, clear language that explains what the scores mean and what actions they can take. It’s important to translate numbers into practical implications for the student’s supports and next steps—for example, outlining specific services, accommodations, or targeted interventions—so guardians can understand how to move forward. Keep explanations concise, define any necessary terms, and offer concrete resources or examples. Also, protect privacy by sharing results only with authorized people and through secure channels, not in public or easily accessible places.

This approach is ethical because it respects guardians’ right to understand and participate in decisions about their child’s education, supports informed choices, and reduces the risk of misunderstanding that could lead to harm or missed services. Providing raw scores or using highly technical language fails to inform or guide action, while publicly posting results violates confidentiality.