R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-54-2

In any city or town where there is a child who is eligible to attend elementary or secondary schools, and whose English proficiency is limited to such a degree that it impedes his or her academic progress, the school committee of the city or town shall provide those special services and programs which satisfy the needs of the child with limited English proficiency, in any programs and services as approved by the department of elementary and secondary education in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the board of regents for elementary and secondary education.