MLL Proficiency and Awareness
Rhode Island’s Blueprint for Multilingual Learner Success and accompanying Strategic Plan for MLL Success articulate the statewide importance of a high-quality instructional system that includes professional learning and a shared responsibility of all educators working with multilingual learners. Section §3.12.C of the Regulations Governing the Education of Multilingual Learners 200-RICR 20-30-3 specifies that teachers, administrators, and other personnel employed in Rhode Island schools must demonstrate proficiency or awareness according to their role. Proficiency and awareness are aligned to MLL Competencies and differentiated by the breadth and depth of knowledge, skills, and application. RIDE is providing support to LEAs through a series of Implementation Briefs. Brief 2 – Proficiency and Awareness Requirements, published in June 2025, details requirements for all RI educators to be prepared to meet the vision stated in the RI Blueprint for MLL Success: All multilingual learners in the state of RI are empowered with high-quality instructional opportunities, including multilingual education, that leverage their cultural and linguistic assets, promote college and career readiness, and prepare them to thrive socially, politically, and economically, both in our state and globally.
Educators can demonstrate awareness through RIDE-approved professional learning (coming soon!) or completion of any of the proficiency pathways as detailed in Brief 2 – Proficiency and Awareness Requirements.
Please note that RIDE does not require all teachers to hold certification as a Teacher of English to Speakers of other Languages (ESOL); however, LEAs may establish local requirements that go beyond the state minimum requirements outlined in Brief 2.
Educators can demonstrate proficiency as detailed in Brief 2 – Proficiency and Awareness Requirements.
Please note that RIDE does not require all teachers to hold certification as a Teacher of English to Speakers of other Languages (ESOL); however, LEAs may establish local requirements that go beyond the state minimum requirements outlined in Brief 2.
For MLL Proficiency Providers:
The Rhode Island Department of Education is seeking providers from higher education institutions, professional learning providers, non-profit organizations, and vendors to become an approved provider of MLL proficiency program. Approved providers, via the MLL proficiency program, will develop educator knowledge in the five MLL Competencies – Proficiency Indicators, grounded in the TESOL standards, meeting the expectations for proficiency in accordance with the RI Multilingual Learner Regulations 200-RICR-20-30-3.
Application: Please complete the Application for MLL Proficiency Providers and submit it to MLL@ride.ri.gov.
Current MLL Endorsement providers: Please check the timeline below and review the Addendum to the Application for MLL Proficiency for Current MLL Endorsement Providersbefore completing the MLL proficiency provider application.
New MLL Proficiency providers: Please review the MLL proficiency application and the timeline below.
Timeline
The MLL Proficiency application process takes into consideration the implementation timeline of the MLL Regulations with the goal of RI educators accessing redesigned programming as soon as possible. Below is a timeline for the 2025-26 school year:
- September 2025: Application for MLL Proficiency Providers becomes available.
- December 2025: Deadline for applications from current MLL Endorsement providers transitioning to be MLL Proficiency providers.
- March 2026: RIDE begins accepting applications for new MLL Proficiency providers.
- June 30, 2026: All current MLL endorsement programs must have final approval to become an MLL proficiency provider. If an MLL endorsement provider does not have approval by this date, the program will no longer be on the list of approved RI MLL proficiency providers.
RIDE will begin publishing the list of MLL proficiency providers upon approval.