DOJ Reaches Settlement with Providence, Rhode Island, Public School District Over Newcomer Student Programs

Rhode Island is home to a large immigrant population, with about 14.6 percent being foreign-born. A figure shows that 7.9 percent of U.S.-born residents have at least one immigrant parent.

Background

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has reached a settlement agreement with the Providence, Rhode Island, Public School District to resolve an investigation into the district’s programs and services for new Caribbean and other immigrant English learner students with limited or interrupted education, known in the district as “newcomers.”

Agreement

The agreement resolves the department’s investigation into complaints about civil rights violations at the district’s “Newcomer Academy,” a program intended to provide accelerated learning to newcomers aged 17 and older. The DOJ found that the district had failed to provide adequate English language instruction to over 200 students at the Newcomer Academy.

The agreement requires the district to ensure that all students in newcomer programs receive adequate instruction in the English language and that teachers in newcomer programs are appropriately trained and qualified.

Conclusion

The DOJ’s investigation and settlement agreement with the Providence Public School District are a significant step towards ensuring that newcomer students receive the support and resources they need to succeed in education. The agreement highlights the importance of providing adequate English language instruction, qualified teachers, and equal access to educational programs for all students, including immigrant students.

FAQs

* What is the purpose of the Newcomer Academy program?
The Newcomer Academy program is designed to provide accelerated learning to newcomers aged 17 and older.
* What was the outcome of the DOJ’s investigation into the Newcomer Academy program?
The investigation found that the district had failed to provide adequate English language instruction to over 200 students at the Newcomer Academy.
* What are the key provisions of the settlement agreement?
The agreement requires the district to ensure that all students in newcomer programs receive adequate instruction in the English language and that teachers in newcomer programs are appropriately trained and qualified.
* What is the significance of the settlement agreement?
The agreement highlights the importance of providing adequate English language instruction, qualified teachers, and equal access to educational programs for all students, including immigrant students.