The bill proposes the establishment of the "Language Academies Act" under a new Chapter 112 in Title 16 of the General Laws, which aims to create language academies for non-English proficient students. The Rhode Island Department of Education is tasked with setting up these academies to help students become proficient in English. The department will determine the size and staffing of each academy. Students who are unable to obtain English proficiency will be assigned to a language academy and transferred back to their home school once they achieve proficiency. The bill also allows for students to attend a language academy outside their home school district if necessary. A tutorial program will be developed for instances where a classroom environment is not feasible or economical. Transportation to the academies will be provided, with the sending school district covering the costs. The Department of Education will also establish rules and regulations for the implementation of this chapter, including the emergency certification of teaching staff.
Additionally, the bill introduces the "Rhode Island Education Revitalization Fund Act" under a new Chapter 113 in Title 16, which establishes the Rhode Island Education Revitalization Fund (RIERF) to finance the language academies. The funding for RIERF will come from a statewide property tax levied on all real property of private and nonprofit colleges, universities, or other post-secondary schools, with the tax amount based on the institution's endowment. The necessary funds will be included in the annual budget bill approved by the general assembly each fiscal year. The act will take effect upon passage.