The Seal of Biliteracy

At Waterford, we celebrate the outstanding achievement of our students who are biliterate by awarding the State Seal of Biliteracy to our graduating seniors who have demonstrated fluency in English and at least one other language.

Becoming proficient in multiple languages not only opens doors to diverse cultures but also enhances cognitive abilities, critical thinking, and communication skills. In an increasingly interconnected world, biliteracy is a valuable asset, providing students with a competitive edge in both academic and professional pursuits. The State Seal of Biliteracy not only celebrates linguistic achievement but also fosters an appreciation for global perspectives and a deep understanding of our multicultural society. We believe that by encouraging and celebrating biliteracy, we empower our students to become well-rounded, globally-minded individuals prepared for success in an ever-evolving global landscape.

The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes and promotes world language instruction in public schools and encourages students to study world languages. Earning the Seal provides students with a competitive edge as they move on to careers and higher education. In addition, promoting biliteracy in multiple languages honors the cultures and languages of our community and leads to an appreciation of the diversity in our schools.

The Seal of Biliteracy is Intended to:

  • Recognize students who have acquired proficiency in English and additional language(s)

  • Emphasize the value of knowing many languages

  • Contribute to global understanding

  • Encourage the learning of all languages

What are the benefits of the State Seal of Biliteracy?

  • Assurance of a marketable skill

  • Connection of community efforts to teach language(s) and culture(s)

  • Transcript notation

  • Recognition of the award at graduation ceremonies

"One of the many assets of the Central Valley of California is the diversity of its population. Many of our citizens and neighbors represent international cultures and speak a variety of languages. The Stanislaus County Office of Education applauds students with mastery in multiple languages. The State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes those students who have developed proficiency in English and at least one other world language. This proficiency enhances a student's education and value in the marketplace. Our economy is tied to that of other nations, and Californians who can participate across international borders bring strength and potential to this State's global enterprises."

Scott Kuykendall  

   SCOE Webpage

Two Pathway Options

The Seal of Biliteracy can be awarded by EITHER the state or county.

In order to receive the Seal of Biliteracy, graduating seniors must demonstrate fluency in English AND at least one other world language.

I's important to note that state requirements are less strict than county requirements. If you opt for a state verification requirement rather than a county one, you will be able to have a seal placed on your diploma, but you will not be able to participate in the county's recognition program.

Trifold Brochure
State Webpage
SCOE Webpage

State Pathway

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

Demonstrate English Language proficient through EITHER coursework OR one of the assessment options.

COURSEWORK:

Complete all English language arts requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in those classes.

OR

ASSESSMENT:

  • Option 1: State Assessment: Pass the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress for English language arts administered in grade 11, at or above the “standard met” achievement level.

  • Option 2: Advanced Placement (AP) Assessment: Pass an English AP examination with a score of 3 or higher (AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature or Composition, or AP Seminar).

  • Option 3: International Baccalaureate (IB) Assessment: Pass an English IB examination with a score of 4 or higher.

  • Option 4: SAT: Achieve a score of 480 or above on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section of the SAT.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS ONLY:

In addition to the requirements mentioned above, students who are classified as English learners must attain an oral language composite score of level 4 on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC).

WORLD LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

Demonstrate World Language proficient through EITHER coursework OR assessment.

COURSEWORK:

Successfully complete a four-year course of study in a world language at the high school or higher level, attaining an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher in that course of study, and demonstrate oral proficiency in the language comparable to that required to pass an AP or IB examination.

OR

ASSESSMENT:

  • Option 1: AP: Pass a world language AP examination with a score of 3 or higher,

  • Option 2: IB: Pass an IB examination with a score of 4 or higher,

  • Option 3: ACTFL: Pass an ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) and Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) with scores of intermediate mid or higher, or

  • Option 4: District-Approved Assessment: Pass a school district language examination that, at a minimum, assesses speaking, reading, and writing in a language other than English at the proficient level or higher.

County Pathway

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

  • Option 1 - Score > 2583 on the CAASPP exam

  • Option 2 - Score > 3 on the “English AP Language & Composition” Exam

  • Option 3 - Score > 4 on the English IB exam

  • Option 4 - Score > 480 on the SAT “English Writing” exam

  • Option 5 - Successful completion of (not current enrollment in) an English Language Arts course at a “higher education institution” with a GPA > 3.0 either in person or virtually .

    • a copy of a transcript is required with application, per the legislation.

WORLD LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

  • Option 1: Score ≥ 3 on the “English AP World Language & Culture” exam, specifically.

    • AP exams must have a writing and oral component to be considered a valid method of satisfying the world language requirement outright.

  • Option 2: Score ≥ 3 on the 4 on the “IB World Language” exam.

    • IB exams must have a writing and oral component to be considered a valid method of satisfying the world language requirement outright.

  • Option 3: A GPA ≥ 3.0 ≥ in the target language, if offered at my high school; AND

    • a qualify/passing score on the on-demand writing test or a score ≥ 3 score on the AP World Literature & Culture exam; AND

    • a qualifying/passing score for the English language and the target language(s) interviews.

  • Option 4: Successful completion of (not current enrollment in) one or more world language course(s) at a public higher education institution with a GPA ≥ 3.0 either in person or virtually; AND

    • a copy of a transcript with my application, per the legislation; AND

    • a qualifying/passing score for the English language and the target language(s) interviews.

  • Option 5: Successful completion of high school level courses completed in another country in a language other than English” with a GPA ≥ 3.0; AND

    • a copy of a transcript with my application, per the legislation; AND

    • a qualifying/passing score for the English language and the target language(s) interviews.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Before applying for the county pathway, you must meet the proficiency requirements for English and a world language, AND all of the following requirements:

  • Have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in English Language Arts,

  • score a minimum score of 4 on the ELPAC, if applicable,

  • Take and earn a minimum score of 2583 on the CAASPP test or meet one of the alternate English proficiency options,

  • Have a minimum, cumulative 3.0 GPA in the target language if it is offered at the site

  • Meet one of the five world language proficiency options through the Stanislaus Seal of Biliteracy program,

  • Provide a personal Gmail address with which to apply (not a school or iCloud account), and

  • submit a signed and complete 2-page Seal Application & Permission Slip by 10 AM on January 24th to your site contact.