2023 -- S 0765
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LC002266
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S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
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A N A C T
RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CERTIFICATION OF TEACHERS
Introduced By: Senators Cano, Murray, DiMario, Acosta, Euer, Zurier, Quezada, Mack,
Britto, and Gu
Date Introduced: March 23, 2023
Referred To: Senate Education
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 16-11 of the General Laws entitled "Certification of Teachers [See 1
Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" is hereby amended by adding 2
thereto the following section: 3
16-11-11. Educator preparation programs. 4
(a) By August 1, 2024, all educator preparation programs approved by the state shall 5
include required coursework for prospective educators regarding cultural competency and how to 6
meet the instructional needs of multilingual learners. 7
(b) At a minimum, the coursework regarding cultural competency shall enable prospective 8
educators to: 9
(1) Understand their own cultural identity, biases, and experiences of both privilege and 10
marginalization; 11
(2) Respond to students of all cultures, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual 12
orientations, and faiths or religions in a manner that is respectful and shows students that they are 13
valued; and 14
(3) Adapt to the cultural contexts of the communities they may serve. 15
(c) At a minimum, the coursework regarding meeting the instructional needs of 16
multilingual learners shall enable prospective educators to: 17
(1) Design lessons and assignments so that all students can learn; 18
(2) Use research-based instructional strategies; and 19
LC002266 - Page 2 of 3
(3) Develop assessments that fairly evaluate each learner’s progress. 1
(d) The coursework required under this chapter may be a stand-alone course or 2
incorporated into existing courses. 3
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. 4
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LC002266 - Page 3 of 3
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CERTIFICATION OF TEACHERS
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This act would require all educator preparation programs to include lessons on cultural 1
competency and how teachers shall meet the instructional needs of multilingual learners. 2
This act would take effect upon passage. 3
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