Seal of Biliteracy

Massachusetts

Seal of Biliteracy

The State Seal of Biliteracy is an award provided by state approved districts that recognizes high school graduates who attain high functional and academic levels of proficiency in English and a world language in recognition of having studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages 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. The State Seal of Biliteracy takes the form of a seal that appears on the transcript or diploma of the graduating senior and is a statement of accomplishment for future employers and for college admissions. -Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

The Ashburnham Westminster Regional School District was approved to start this program during the 2022-2023 school year.

Questions?

What is the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy?

The Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy is an award provided by state-approved public schools and districts that recognizes high school graduates who attain high functional and academic levels of proficiency in English and one or more other world languages by high school graduation. The State Seal of Biliteracy takes the form of an insignia that appears on the transcript and/or diploma of the graduate.

What is the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction?

The State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction recognizes students who have exceeded the minimum requirements for the State Seal of Biliteracy.

What are the requirements for a district to award the State Seal of Biliteracy?

Criteria at a Glance

Student Criteria for the State Seal of Biliteracy	Student Criteria for the State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction
Meet all graduation requirements	Meet all graduation requirements
472 or higher on Grade 10 ELA MCAS*	501 or higher on Grade 10 ELA MCAS
A score equivalent to or higher than Intermediate High on an approved world language assessment	A score equivalent to or higher than Advanced Low on an approved world language assessment

*See English Language criteria for information about students who score 455-471 and complete Educational Proficiency Plans.

Do students need to be enrolled in world, heritage, or dual language programs to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy?

No. The State Seal of Biliteracy only reflects a student’s communicative skills and should not be used to reflect course or program enrollment or completion.

Can the district award the State Seal of Biliteracy in languages that are not offered in the district?

Yes. Districts that award the State Seal of Biliteracy should provide the Seal equitably for all human languages in which a student wishes to demonstrate proficiency.

What is the cost of the State Seal of Biliteracy?

The Grade 10 ELA MCAS is provided for free to districts to satisfy the English criteria. Students are responsible to cover the costs associated with the world language assessment.

Ashburnham Westminster will ensure that all students designated as low-income have access to any assessment required to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy at no cost.

Can a student earn college credits with the State Seal of Biliteracy?

Yes. All institutions of higher education have different policies for awarding credit for prior learning experiences, but many colleges and universities throughout the Commonwealth are awarding credit or placement options to students who have earned the State Seal of Biliteracy. See the State Seal of Biliteracy website for a list of institutions of higher education that are awarding opportunities based on the State Seal of Biliteracy.

Does the State Seal of Biliteracy apply to American Sign Language (ASL), classical languages, and/or non-written languages?

Yes. All human languages are eligible to be recognized by the State Seal of Biliteracy.

Can a student qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy in multiple languages in addition to English?

Yes. The district must maintain the score reports for all languages for which the student qualifies for the State Seal of Biliteracy or the State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction. The district should also list all languages in which the student earned the Seal on the student’s transcripts.

When will the test be given?

The test can be given anytime, but shall be administered before the end of April.

How can I learn more about or register for the Seal of Biliteracy Certification at Oakmont?

Contact the Curriculum Director, Paul Dubois at [email protected].

Resources:

MA-DESE Seal of Biliteracy Information