Appropriations for the Support of the State for the Fiscal Year Ending – Article 8: Relating to Education Increasing Investments in Multilingual Learners

Testimony in support of HJR7225
An Act Making Appropriations for the Support of the State for the Fiscal Year Ending – Article 8: Relating to Education Increasing Investments in Multilingual Learners
Senate Committee on Finance
March 19, 2024
Kavya Gopinath, Policy Analyst, Economic Progress Institute

The Economic Progress Institute supports Article 8: Relation to Education, which creates additional state support for English learners by increasing the multiplication factor for funding from 15% to 25%. This section also requires the money to be spent on providing high-quality, research-based services to English learners.

All students deserve equal opportunities to learn, regardless of language barriers. Currently, Rhode Island is underinvesting in its multilingual children. A 2023 Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC) study found that Rhode Island ranks 5th lowest out of 31 states in spending on multilingual learners. Rhode Island severely lags behind its neighbors, spending $1,100 less per student annually than Connecticut and $1,060 less per student annually than Massachusetts. This is especially concerning considering the multilingual learner population in RI has grown by 62.8 percent since 2015 and currently makes up 12.5 percent of the overall student population.1

The state should increase funding for multilingual learners and invest in research-based solutions, such as dual language programs that encourage students to engage with materials in two different languages. These programs embrace the culture of multilingual learners and encourage them to see their language skills as an asset.2 Dual language programs have been shown to improve English reading proficiency, decrease dropout rates, increase the likelihood of going to college, and improve economic outcomes for multilingual students.3

Dual language programs also benefit students who speak English as a first language. In the US, bilingual employees are paid an average of 5 to 20 percent more than if they were monolingual. 90 percent of US employers report a reliance on employees who know a language other than English. Multilingualism is a growing priority among employers; to make sure students have opportunities to succeed, Rhode Island needs to invest in dual language programs.

This budget article would improve equity in Rhode Island by ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to learn regardless of language barriers. Multilingual students are also more likely to live in low-income households and attend high-poverty schools, so this bill would target  and improve outcomes for historically marginalized communities.4 The Economic Progress Institute strongly urges passage of budget Article 8: Relating to Education.