District of Columbia Seal of Biliteracy

Seal of Biliteracy Status

Approved State Seal

Adoption Date

2014-12-04

Website(s)

Visit Site

State Contact(s)

Juliette Steadman
Juliette.Steadman@k12.dc.gov

District of Columbia State Info:

Overview

The ability to communicate in multiple languages is critical for effective participation in the political, social, and economic arenas of today’s globalized world. To honor the multilingualism of many DCPS students, we offer the DCPS Seal of Biliteracy. By awarding this seal to those who meet its rigorous requirements, DCPS recognizes the commitment of students who persevere in language education to achieve high levels of proficiency and highlights the rich linguistic and cultural expertise of its many international and immigrant students.

Qualifying for the DCPS Seal of Biliteracy

To be eligible for the DCPS Seal of Biliteracy, students must demonstrate their proficiency in English and a language other than English. Students can automatically qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy by taking exams that are tracked in the DCPS data system, but an application is available for students who take exams on their own or would like to request help scheduling a language exam.

For more information: please visit https://dcps.dc.gov/page/dcps-seal-biliteracy-award

District of Columbia Seal of Biliteracy Updates

Nov-12-2015

The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) is pleased to announce that it is joining the nation-wide initiative to recognize the unique and valuable skills of its multilingual students. Beginning spring of 2015, high school junior and seniors who meet the district-mandated criteria will be able to apply for the DCPS Seal of Biliteracy.

Recent State Updates

- South Dakota
- Jan-30-2024
- The South Dakota Department of Education is offering a Silver and Gold Seal of Biliteracy. The requirements for obtaining the seals can be found in the SD Seal of Biliteracy Implementation Guide below. Students who qualify will receive a physical seal that can be affixed to their high school diplomas as well as an identifier on the student's transcript. Participation in this program is voluntary for school districts.
- North Dakota
- Feb-19-2019
- The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) is proud to announce the implementation of the North Dakota Seal of Biliteracy (NDSB) award program. The NDSB is an award presented to graduating students who have demonstrated proficiency in a language in addition to English.
  
  North Dakota joins more than half of the nation in awarding a Seal of Biliteracy. The NDSB is established to recognize students and provide an identifier of this accomplishment for employers and post-secondary institutions. The NDSB serves to inspire the implementation of biliteracy programs and pathways of language development in districts across the state and help districts demonstrate value in diversity/culture.
  
  The NDSB is awarded by the NDDPI according to the specific criteria presented in the attached guidance document. Each student will receive a physical foil seal on their high school diploma, a certificate from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and an identifier on the student's eTranscript. School district participation in the program is completely voluntary.
  
  Please review the attached documents and determine how this program could be implemented in the district. Additional information is available on the NDDPI website.
- Iowa
- Apr-18-2018
- Palm Beach School District has just approved the Seal of Biliteracy. Miami Dade School District approved it last week.
  - Dr. Andrés Ramírez
  Assistant Professor
  Curriculum, Culture and Educational Inquiry
  Florida Atlantic University
- Iowa
- Apr-18-2018
- New Jersey Governor Chris Christie approved a statewide Seal of Biliteracy. The legislation passed earlier this month by the New Jersey Senate (37-0) and New Jersey Assembly (72-2).
- Iowa
- Apr-18-2018
- Does anyone have any tools or strategies to assess less common languages? I wonder if there are easily-understood checklists that volunteers can use to assess student work?