Gilbert Stuart Dual Language Pathway
The Coalition for a Multilingual Rhode Island supports the expansion of dual language programs in the Providence Public School District
The Coalition for a Multilingual Rhode Island fully supports the Providence Public School District’s (PPSD) plans to implement a dual language program at Gilbert Stuart Middle School. The Gilbert Stuart Dual Language Pathway will provide 104 seats to Spanish-speaking sixth graders and gradually expand to 300 students in grade six through eight. This is an important next step in providing a pathway for students currently enrolled in bilingual and dual language programs to continue learning in two languages beyond elementary school.
Our Coalition firmly believes dual language and bilingual programs are powerful education solutions that empower students to develop multilingual proficiencies and transformative intercultural understandings. Research demonstrates that students in dual language and bilingual programs perform better than peers in standard education programs. While this announcement of a dual language expansion to a historic Providence middle school is a powerful step in the right direction, we urge PPSD and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) to continue to invest in equitable and community-driven dual language and bilingual education programs. We hope to see more programs in community languages like French, Khmer, and Swahili, in addition to Spanish, in Providence schools across the city from pre-kindergarten to Grade 12.
We would like to thank Superintendent Peters and Commissioner Infante-Green for providing this option to Providence families and students. We will continue to advocate for more high quality multilingual education programs in Providence and our state and hope to see more school models that reflect, develop and honor the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of our communities.
Who We Are:
We are a coalition of organizations and community members dedicated to creating a culturally sustaining educational environment where all Rhode Island students learn in multiple languages from Pre-K to college. Learn more: www.MultilingualRI.org