Rhode Island's need for bilingual teachers is urgent. This fund could help fix the pipeline, legislators say.
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We recognize that a sustainable pipeline of certified bilingual educators — especially from multilingual communities — is the only way we will be able to support our multilingual students and expand dual language programs. At the same time, investing in underemployed multilingual adults and those with international backgrounds is a sound economic strategy. Multilingualism is an asset, which Rhode Island law already recognizes. Our schools should, too.
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Dual language programs have been shown to help close achievement gaps not only for multilingual learners, but also for other historically underserved groups. With a
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Under Rhode Island's new
The Bilingual, Dual Language and World Language Teachers Investment Act builds on successful models, leveraging last-dollar tuition support to make certification accessible after FAFSA. It's a smart use of existing infrastructure and a strategic investment in the long-term health of our education system.
The time for half-measures has passed. Rhode Island students deserve access to programs that view their language skills through an asset lens and offer real pathways to success. That begins with teachers. Let's pass this bill — and make bilingual education not just a mandate, but a movement.
State Representative David Morales represents District 7 in Providence. State Senator Lammis Vargas represents District 28, which spans parts of Cranston and Providence.
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