LEGISLATION

• Support and Access to Bilingual Education Act (HB5777/S549) creates a dual language program fund to be administered by the department of education. Local education agencies would be eligible to apply to the department for funding. Despite the proven success of dual-language programs, Rhode Island does not have enough programs for equitable access. This bill would incentivize districts and schools to implement dual-language programs and lead to more equitable access, as well as provide continuity of education for students enrolled in the programs.
  

• Multilingual Educators Investment Act (HB6023/S559) authorizes the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish a program to expand the issuance of teaching certificates to bilingual dual language and world language teachers in urban and urban ring schools. This bill would make gaining the certification in dual-language and world language education programs much more accessible by reducing the financial burden on receiving these credentials.
• An Act Relating To Education - Biliteracy Seal (House Bill 7607) has passed and been signed into law, allowing high school students receiving the state Silver/Gold Seal of Biliteracy to earn 2 to 4 semesters of college credit toward a minor/major in language at public university/community college if requested within 3 years after high school graduation.
• The 2019  The World Language and Dual Language Immersion Act was passed in the Senate, but not the House. This advocacy bill still had a positive impact, since as a result a World Language/MLL Specialist position in the 2021 RIDE budget was created. 
• Rhode Island Foundation and RIDE Announce Bilingual/Dual Language Program Planning Grants to Four RI School Districts

COALITIONS, PARTNERSHIPS, & WORKING GROUPS 

• Center for Leadership & Educational Equity (CLEE)
• Rhode Island Teachers of English Language Learners (RITELL)
• Coalition for Multilingual Rhode Island