Background
Being bilingual is a valuable skill in today's society. The Seal encourages students to strive use the language skills they have and/or maintain their home languages throughout their high school years. This Seal also translates into Foreign Language course credit at colleges and universities. Employers use this resource to identify individuals with language and biliteracy skills.
The Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy is an award presented at graduation in recognition of attaining a high-level of proficiency in English and in one or more other languages. It is officially designated on a student’s transcript and high school diploma.
Demonstrating Proficiency
To qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy, or the Commendation Toward Biliteracy, students must demonstrate proficiency in English as well as another language on standardized assessments. Momence HS is currently utilizing the following state approved criteria of proficiency:
Seal of Biliteracy | Commendation Toward Biliteracy |
Meet one of the minimum scores to demonstrate English proficiency: ACCESS for ELLs: 4.8 composite AP English Language and Composition Exam: 4 SAT: 480 ELA Score | Meet one of the minimum scores to demonstrate English proficiency: ACCESS for ELLs: 3.5 literacy AP English Language and Composition Exam: 3 SAT: 480 ELA Score |
Meet the minimum scores to demonstrate Spanish proficiency: STAMP 4S: Intermediate High | Meet the minimum scores to demonstrate Spanish proficiency: STAMP 4S: Intermediate Low |
Benefits of Biliteracy
Is your student bilingual?
They may be eligible to earn the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy on their high school diploma and transcript.
Who is the intended recipient of the Seal?
High school graduates who have a heritage language other than English and English-speaking students who have studied a new language other than English are the intended recipients of this distinction. Bilingualism is an asset to be celebrated!
What does the Seal represent?
The State Seal of Biliteracy certifies attainment of a high level of proficiency, sufficient for meaningful use in college and a career, by a graduating public or non-public high school pupil in one or more languages in addition to English.
Why was the Seal created?
The purposes of the State Seal of Biliteracy are as follows:
To encourage pupils to study languages.
To certify attainment of biliteracy.
To provide employers with a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills.
To provide universities with an additional method to recognize applicants seeking admission.
To prepare pupils with 21st century skills.
To recognize the value of foreign language and native language instruction in public and non-public schools.
To strengthen intergroup relationships, affirm the value of diversity, and honor the multiple cultures and languages of a community.
Is there a cost for students to be awarded the Seal?
Momence High School students will not be charged for the addition of the Seal or Commendation to their transcript and diploma.
Where can I learn more about participation in this program?
The State Seal of Biliteracy contains information and resources, including a training module, a list of language assessments, and a program administration checklist, among other resources.
Program Coordinators: