The High School State Seal of Biliteracy

The California State Seal of Biliteracy Criteria established in legislation certifies attainment of a high level of proficiency in two or more languages. The English criteria includes:

  • Completion of all English language arts requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average of 2.0 or above.
  • Passing the California Standards test in English language arts administered in grade 11 at the proficient level or above.
  • For English learners not reclassified, attain the overall early advanced level on the English language development test

The criteria for proficiency in a language other than English is one of the following:

  • Passing a World Language Advanced Placement examination with a score of 3 or higher
  • Passing an International Baccalaureate examination with a score of 4 or higher
  • Successful completion of a four-year high school course of study in a world language and attaining an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above
  • Passing a school district language exam that, at a minimum, assesses speaking, reading and writing passing at a proficient level or higher
  • Passing the SAT II world language examination with a score of 600 or higher

For procedures to request and grant the State Seal of Biliteracy go to the California State Seal of Biliteracy web page at www.cde.ca.gov/sp/el/er/sealofbiliteracy.asp

Some districts have elected to add additional criteria, such as use of biliteracy skills during community service activities, a district writing assessment and rubric (with a specified level of attainment), an oral interview or oral presentation assessment and rubric, use of the Linguafolio,  or other district-developed performance criteria.  For copies of writing prompts, writing rubrics and other assessment tools used by districts in the Seal of Biliteracy process, see the resources below each step.

Materials to support every step of implementation for pathway awards and the Seal of Biliteracy are available through: