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Providence Schools Caught in English Learner Scandal

The Providence public school district has been caught in a scandal involving English learners, with 8,000 students lacking fluency in the language. According to a settlement agreement reached with the federal government, the district will provide English language services to these students, who are entitled to equal opportunities under the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974.

Under the agreement, the district will properly identify and place English Learner students when they enroll in one of the district’s 41 schools, and communicate with parents about program offerings and other essential information in a language they understand. This is a crucial step in ensuring that these students receive the services they need to succeed in the district’s educational programs.

The investigation, which was led by the Civil Rights Division and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island, revealed that the district had been failing to provide adequate English language services to its English Learner students. This resulted in a lack of access to grade-level core content instruction, which is essential for these students to become proficient in English.

Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore commended the district for cooperating throughout the investigation, and praised the Superintendent for his commitment to helping English Learner students succeed and thrive in school. U.S. Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch for the District of Rhode Island added that the settlement agreement will ensure that English Learner students receive all of the services they are legally entitled to and deserve.

The enforcement of the Equal Educational Opportunities Act is a top priority of the Civil Rights Division. The district will now be required to provide adequate English language services to all English Learner students, ensure appropriate services for those with disabilities, and monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of its English Learner programs over time.

The settlement agreement is a significant step forward for the district, and will help to ensure that English Learner students receive the equal opportunities they deserve. It remains to be seen whether the district will be able to implement the agreement effectively, but for now, it is a welcome development for these students and their families.

The settlement agreement can be viewed online at the Justice Department’s website, www.justice.gov/crt. The public is encouraged to read the agreement and learn more about the Civil Rights Division’s efforts to protect the rights of all students, regardless of their background or language proficiency.