Rhode Island House Bill H5777

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/23
• Refer: 2/22/23

Caption

Support And Access To Bilingual Education Act

Impact

This legislation is expected to significantly impact education laws in the state by directing funding and resources toward the development of dual language programs. It highlights the necessity of investing in high-quality bilingual education, particularly for disadvantaged children. The bill allocates $300,000 for the establishment of a dual language program fund, which will support grants to school districts that wish to adopt or enhance their dual language education curriculum. Funding will target programs that prioritize students from low-income families and those with disabilities, thereby advancing educational equity across the state.

Summary

House Bill 5777, known as the Support and Access to Bilingual Education Act, aims to enhance bilingual education access in Rhode Island through the establishment of a dual language program fund. The bill recognizes the importance of multilingual proficiency for economic growth and academic success. It emphasizes supporting local education agencies (LEAs) that implement dual language programs, wherein instruction is provided in both English and another language, promoting cross-cultural communication and improving educational outcomes for multilingual learners.

Contention

One notable aspect of HB 5777 revolves around the potential pushback regarding its funding and implementation. While many advocates support increasing access to bilingual education, concerns may arise over the allocation of state funds and the administrative demands placed on LEAs to implement effective dual language programs. Additionally, the requirement for schools to adhere to certain standards under the bill may create challenges for institutions already facing resource limitations or operational hurdles. These factors suggest that successful implementation will require careful planning and support at both the administrative and community levels.