Hispanics currently account for 18.1% of the population of the United States. They are the fastest-growing ethnic or racial minority group within the nation with 58.9 million individuals as of July 1, 2017. In fact, Hispanics make up half of the total population growth within the United States. With that being said, Rhode Island has the 13th largest Hispanic population in the nation. This ethnic group accounts for the increase in the population of the state both in the 2000 and 2010 United States Census.

General Latino Information In Rhode Island

The state of Rhode Island is home to 148,000 Hispanics, which account for 14% of the state’s population. Out of the 148,000 Hispanics in Rhode Island, 61% of the population are U.S.-born, while 39% are foreign-born. A total of 92% of the Hispanic population in Rhode Island are nationalities other than Mexican. Only 8% of the Hispanic population is of Mexican origin. Home languages other than English are widely spoken throughout the state by 80% of the Hispanic population.

Largest Hispanic Population In Rhode Island

Rhode Island is home to a diverse Hispanic population. As mentioned, Hispanics of any race make up 14% of the states total population. (*Note: These stats reflect the total population of Rhode Island – 1,052,567.)

There are a total of 23,817 Central Americans, accounting for 2.3% of the population. 

The largest groups of Central Americans are as follows:

• Guatemalan 8,283 1.3%
• Salvadoran 2,715 0.3%
• Honduran 1,250 0.1 %

There are a total of 14,013 South Americans, accounting for 1.3% of the population.

The largest groups of South Americans are as follows:

• Colombian 8,283 0.8%
• Bolivian 1,912 0.2%
• Ecuadorian 1,128 0.1%

Additional Hispanics Stats Include:

• Mexican 9,090 0.9%
• Puerto Rican 34,979 3.3%
• Cuban 1,640 0.2%
• Dominican 35,008 3.3%
• Spaniard 1,100 0.1%

Education Information In Rhode Island

There are 34,000 Hispanic children enrolled in K-12 grade levels in Rhode Island. The state ranks 38th highest in the United States for Hispanic school-aged children. Hispanics account for 22% of all K-12 students in Rhode Island.

Education Resources for English Learners In Rhode Island

English Learners in Rhode Island can benefit from a variety of educational resources, for that reason school administrators, teachers, and parents should seek out the highest quality educational resources to use at school and at home. Bilingual books are an excellent resource for English Learners to use. Not only are they learning English, their new language, but they are also strengthening skills in their native language. Lectura Books offers an array of bilingual books for English Learners of all ages. These books feature topics and themes that immigrant and Hispanic students can relate to. Bilingual books also help parents learn English and become more involved in their children’s education.

Another fantastic approach to learning English is understanding phonics. Lectura Books has a series of phonics workbooks called Family Phonics™. This series of workbooks are ideal for children learning English in bilingual education programs. These workbooks help both parents and children obtain strong English vocabulary skills and proper pronunciation of words. Additionally, these workbooks promote parental involvement among English Learners because parents are working alongside their children.

Another very useful resource is the Latino Family Literacy Project. This organization offers professional development workshops and seminars for school administrators and teachers who work with Hispanic English Learners. The Project also offers webinars and other resources, such as age-appropriate programs, along with a very informative blog featuring the latest information, research, and advice for school administrators, teachers, and parents of English Language Learners.