Determine the Level of Pathway Awards to Be Granted

A high school Seal of Biliteracy is awarded upon attainment of a high level of proficiency in two or more languages. In addition to the High School Seal, awards can be provided for students along the path toward attainment. To encourage students to study languages and develop mastery in multiple languages, Pathway awards are most powerful when bestowed at crucial points along the schooling journey where student attitudes about bilingualism may be changing or where students may be facing choices about enrolling in programs and courses that can lead to biliteracy. These points include, for example:

• As students leave preschool and enter kindergarten (this is the point at which parents make decisions about the elementary school programs for their children)
• At 3rd grade (this is often when English Learners exit bilingual programs and is a point at which Dual Language Program student enrollment often falls off)
• Redesignation
• End of Middle School

Pathway awards may be given in recognition of attainment of an age-appropriate level of skill in mastering two or more languages or in recognition of participation in activities involving bilingualism.