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Seal of Biliteracy

The Seal of Biliteracy is a nationally recognized award that students earn by attaining proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. The Seal of Biliteracy program is aimed at increasing student biliteracy and college and career readiness. High school students who attain the Seal of Biliteracy receive recognition on their transcript, a medal, and a diploma seal. 

Families with interested students should reach out to a teacher leading the efforts at their school.

Pathways to the Seal of Biliteracy

5th and 8th Graders

The pathways program is geared towards fifth graders in elementary school and 8th graders in middle school. Students at each of these grade levels are motivated to explore and develop their bilingualism so they can learn about the importance of earning their own Seal of Biliteracy once they graduate.

Students are tasked with creating an essay and visual presentation sharing their experiences and why bilingualism will be their superpower when they grow up.

5th Graders

  • Dual Language Program students 
  • Bilingual students who are proficient in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a language other than English

8th Graders

  • Students enrolled in Spanish Language Arts or Spanish Literacy classes.
  • Bilingual students who are proficient in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a language other than English.

Seal of Biliteracy

High School Students

The Seal of Biliteracy program is open to all high school students in Adams 14; this includes any student whose first language is English and is learning a second language or any student who is learning English as a second language. 

Students must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in two or more languages, in their coursework and/or through assessments as well in a world language.

Demonstrate Proficiency in English

  • Complete all English Language Arts (ELA) coursework required for graduation with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher AND one of the following:
    • Score 470 or higher on SAT Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing section.
    • Score 3.0 or higher in Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition.
    • Score 3.0 or higher in Advanced Placement (AP) Literature and Composition.
    • Earn a grade of C or better in English 121 or community college courses.

Demonstrate Proficiency in a World Language

  • Complete one of the following requirements:
  • Scoring 3 or higher on the World Language Advanced Placement exam
  • Successfully completing a 4-year high school course of study of a single world language with an overall grade-point average of at least 3.0
  • Achieving a passing score on a nationally recognized test

District Awards Celebration

Save the date to join us and celebrate our students who are on the pathway and earning their Seal of Biliteracy. We will hold a ceremony on May 4, 2023, honoring the community and staff members who will share their experiences and journey into biliteracy as well as congratulating our students for their accomplishments. Both these programs are supported by the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Department.  If you have any questions, please email lrossijones@adams14.org.