THE SEAL OF BILITERACY
The Graduation Seal of Biliteracy
Encourages All Students to Pursue Another Language
And Respects First Language Proficiency
The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by a school, school district, or state in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages, including English, by high school graduation. Our vision is to help students recognize the value of their academic success and see the tangible benefits of being bilingual.
Why Implement It?
The Seal of Biliteracy encourages students to pursue biliteracy, honors the skills our students attain, and can be evidence of skills that are attractive to future employers and college admissions offices.
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The Seal of Biliteracy now offers a digital profile to recipients!
We have available a new multi-page infographic
on the State Seal of Biliteracy here from the OLEA.
(12/2023 version)
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Mike Levin, a California House Representative
congratulates Seal of Biliteracy recipients in his CA-49 District.
VIEW IT on our NCLG server HERE.(2min)
Or go to: tinyurl.com/RepLevinSealofBiliteracy
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NEWSBRIEF
As of February 2024 South Dakota became the 50th state.
ALL STATES NOW HAVE A SEAL PROGRAM !!
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As of June 8, 2022, ALASKA became the 49th state
to formally adopt the Seal of Biliteracy!
(See the tweet shared below about Alabama which became state #48)
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PLEASE SUPPORT THE JNCL AND THE SEAL INITIATIVE, BECAUSE THEY …..
Advocate for the right of all students to study a second language
Recognize the benefits of multilingualism in the US
Advocate for all language professionals
Through JNCL we work together on ….
Federal funding to aid new BEST Act for all 50 states – (Seal of Biliteracy)
Funding the World Language Readiness grants
Getting Congress members to recognize and join ALC
Funding for Teacher Quality Partnership (Title II grants to train K-12 teachers; many have been language teachers)
Funding Title VI Fulbright Hays, Paul Simon Study Abroad, and International Studies grants
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NCLG Supports the Increased Equity in JNCL-NCLIS' New Seal Legislation BEST Act
“The revised BEST Act is a statement by its sponsors, Congresswoman Julia Brownley and Senator Brian Schatz, that multilingualism is an asset to be recognized for students and should be available equitably to all learners, especially English language learners and heritage learners,” said Amanda Seewald, Executive Director of the Joint National Committee for Languages and the National Council for Languages and International Studies (JNCL-NCLIS). “This bill’s emphasis on implementing Seal of Biliteracy programs broadly in school districts across the nation will help students acquire the skills they need for college, career, and life, and uplift the languages that are central to identity for so many. JNCL-NCLIS has been honored to work on this legislation with such dedicated legislators and look forward to its passage.”
Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced a revised version of the Biliteracy Education and Seal Teaching (BEST) Act. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. The revised language included in this bill would establish, within the U.S. Department of Education, a program to support state and local implementation of Seal of Biliteracy programs. This new BEST Act would also require state grantees to provide subgrants to school districts so that they can launch, expand and scale local Seal of Biliteracy programs. This legislation also includes new language that requires states to ensure: equitable access to Seal programs for students with disabilities; the inclusion of American Sign Language as well as Native American languages in state Seal of Biliteracy programs; and outreach about Seal programs to elementary school and middle grade students, including heritage language learners and English learners.
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NEW! Implementing the Seal: Practical Advice for Latin Teachers
Our new NCLG member Brian Compton has presented a webinar for the American Classical League, as well as led a session at ACL Institute '23.
We are pleased to share links to his webinar recording and numerous resources, including handouts, his slide deck, and notes.
He covers everything you need to know to promote and successfully initiate a Seal of Biliteracy program at your school or district for Latin students.
If you plan to offer the Global Seal of Biliteracy at a private or public school, here is the page to check on the tests that Global Seal accepts.
Here is where you can check out your state's information if you want to see what tests they will accept - just find your state on the map and click it!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ON THE SEAL OF BILITERACY FOR LATIN
Graduating students may apply for a Seal of Biliteracy in Latin. The guidelines for awarding the Seal may differ between states or districts, but your state or district board of education website should have details. There are several methods and instruments in place for showing a student’s qualification for the Latin Seal, including IB and AP results, the ALIRA test from ACTFL. Any one or a combination of these may apply in your area. The National Latin Exam results may also be admitted as a secondary source in some districts.
EXCITING NEWS FOR COLLEGES!
ACTFL has approved the use of LTI’s ALIRA proficiency tests for Higher Ed students!
Set up a chat with Dr. Quinlan
PLUS: Have your Latin students apply for
the NEW Seal of Biliteracy Achievement Scholarship until May 31
A 2023-2024 update on ALIRA can be found HERE.
Find further information on the ALIRA assessment HERE. The ACTFL Latin Interpretive Reading Assessment (ALIRA) is a computer-adaptive test that assesses students' ability to read and comprehend a variety of Latin-language texts. Rated according to the ACTFL Performance Descriptors for Language Learners, it is designed for middle and high school aged students. General information link: https://www.languagetesting.com/actfl-latin-interpretive-reading-assessment. Link to a demo of the ALIRA: https://alirademo.actfltesting.org/ Link to order the ALIRA: https://www.languagetesting.com/contact-us/sales
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SEAL
Here is a collaborative presentation given at ACTFL Convention 2020 that outlines all the current information about the Seal. Other information can be found at actfl.org HERE.
There is a spreadsheet of information by state as of January 2020, but please check with your state D.O.E. for updates.
Guidelines for Implementing the Seal of Biliteracy are HERE or at:
Seal of Biliteracy for High School Graduates – check out their social stream!
The Global Seal of Biliteracy was developed to allow more schools to participate and to recognize different levels of increasing proficiency with a globally recognized recipient database.
They explain,"The State Seal of Biliteracy movement has swept across the United States since it was first created in the State of California in 2011. Today, a majority of states offer a State Seal of Biliteracy to provide recognition for students who demonstrate proficiency in both English and a second language. However, in most states, private, charter, independent, college, and homeschoolers are not eligible to receive the Seal of Biliteracy. The Global Seal realizes the value of language credentials and was established to provide an opportunity for ALL language user and students to earn recognition for their language proficiency skills. The Global Seal of Biliteracy by design is inclusive, embracing all languages and learners, with the intent to provide equal access and expanded opportunity."