200 R.I. Code R. 200-RICR-20-30-3.1

Current through December 3, 2024

Section 200-RICR-20-30-3.1 - Introduction and Authority

A. These regulations implement R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-54-1, et seq. and are intended to support compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.) and the Equal Education Opportunities Act of 1974 (See: 20 U.S.C. § 1703(f)). More particularly, these regulations are intended to:

1. Ensure that English Language Learners ("ELLs") attain a level of proficiency in English and content knowledge that will permit them to

a. Succeed in their school's general-education program,

b. Meet state graduation-by-proficiency requirements,

c. Be prepared for post-secondary education and work, and

d. Become an essential asset to Rhode Island's economic and social well-being.

2. Require that English Language Learners be instructed, and their English language skills be annually assessed, in accordance with the English Language Proficiency Standards ("ELPs") of the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment ("WIDA") Consortium (2007) Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, on behalf of the WIDA Consortium, https://www.wida.us/standards/eld.aspx, incorporated herein by reference, not including later amendments or editions thereof. The WIDA standards are hereby adopted by the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education as Rhode Island's ELL proficiency standards. These standards also are intended to comply with Rhode Island's obligation to adopt English language proficiency standards that are derived from the four (4) recognized domains of speaking, listening, reading, and writing; address the different proficiency levels of English learners; and align the proficiency standards with the State's academic standards. See 20 U.S.C. § 6311. WIDA is a consortium of states, including Rhode Island, that has developed English Language Proficiency Standards for English Language Learners.

3. Ensure that English Language Learners meet Common Core State Standards (July, 2010) in all subject areas.

4. Ensure that English Language Learners have access to a free, appropriate, public education equal to the education provided to all other students. This goal is to be reached by ensuring that programs for English Language Learners are:

a. Based on sound educational theory;

b. Appropriately supported, with adequate and effective staff and resources, so that the program may reasonably be expected to be successful; and

c. Periodically evaluated and, if necessary, revised.

5. Facilitate the preservation and development of the existing native language skills of English Language Learners.

6. Help ensure English language proficiency in Rhode Island.

200 R.I. Code R. 200-RICR-20-30-3.1