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4/27/2021
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Senate passes Ciccone and Quezada dual language immersion bills
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 STATE HOUSE – The Rhode Island Senate passed two bills tonight, sponsored by Sen. Frank A. Ciccone and Sen. Ana B. Quezada, which relate to dual language immersion programs for Rhode Island’s public school students.
The legislation (2021-S 0457) sponsored by Senator Ciccone would establish and require funding for a world language and dual language immersion program for public school students and it would also create a world language and dual-language immersion specialist position at the Rhode Island Department of Education to spearhead this educational effort in our state.
“Our society has changed and the demographics of our population, especially in our schools, is no longer adequately served by the old model of language instruction and education. Our global economy and society requires multi-lingual future workers and in order for our children to be successful in this expansive multi-lingual world, we must prepare them with dual-language immersion programs in our public schools,” said Senator Ciccone (D-Dist. 7, Providence, North Providence).
Senator Ciccone’s legislation was cosponsored by Senators Dawn Euer (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown), Jeanine Calkin (D-Dist. 30, Warwick), Jonathon Acosta (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket), Bridget G. Valverde (D-Dist. 35, North Kingstown, East Greenwich, Narragansett, South Kingstown), and Samuel W. Bell (D-Dist. 5, Providence).
The legislation (2021-S 0355) sponsored by Senator Quezada would require the Department of Education to create a model policy and timeline to assist local education agencies in implementing a dual language immersion program for local students.
“Research has consistently shown that students who are exposed to dual language immersion programs have a far greater educational success rate and this is especially true of English-language learners. It is time that we give our children the tools and knowledge to succeed in this ever-changing world and dual language immersion programs are a proven driver for a high-quality education,” said Senator Quezada (D-Dist. 2, Providence).
Senator Quezada’s legislation was cosponsored by Sen. Ryan W. Pearson (D-Dist. 19, Cumberland, Lincoln).
Both bills have been referred to the House of Representatives for consideration.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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