ENGLISH LEARNER EDUCATION

The District shall provide research-based language instruction programs for all identified English learners in grades Kindergarten through 12 in accordance with the requirements of state and federal statutes and Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) regulations and guidance. The instruction shall develop the English Learner’s ability to understand, speak, read, and write academic English; align with WIDA standards; and incorporate content knowledge and concepts aligned to state-adopted standards.

The District shall identify students whose dominant language may not be English through

• the Home Language Survey

• background interview

• screening assessment

• data from the student’s previous schools, when available.

An identified student shall be placed in the appropriate grade for his/her age except when the learner’s educational background indicates limited formal schooling. In this case, the student shall not be placed more than one grade level below that appropriate to his or her age unless dictated by special education needs.

Identified students shall be assessed annually to determine their level of proficiency in the English language and shall participate in the State Assessment Program in accordance with state assessment policies.

200-RICR-20-30-3 TITLE 200 - BOARD OF EDUCATION CHAPTER 20 - COUNCIL ON SECONDARY AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION SUBCHAPTER 30 - STUDENT SUPPORTS PART 3 - REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE EDUCATION OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS

LEGAL REFS.: Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended

42 U.S.C. 2000d (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) 603 CMR 14.00

ADOPTED: December 21, 2020