Communication Matters: Consider the Seal of Biliteracy
“He who knows no foreign languages knows nothing of his own.”
I graduated from a small high school in northern Wisconsin (go Thunderbirds!) and I took a couple of years of Spanish. Back then there weren’t as many language requirements to graduate (at least in northern Wisconsin) but my parents suggested it would be a very good idea for me to learn another language. I agree. Unfortunately, I was never very good at it, or I should say that I didn’t put in the time and immersion to become fluent or proficient in Spanish. My sister was different. She spent her senior year of high school as a Rotary exchange student in Japan. The experience forever changed her life and she has spent all of her professional career in the pursuit of expanding access to world languages.
As more and more schools and states have language graduation requirements, and colleges have language admission requirements, there is one recognition that can set students apart in the sea of college applicants and employers - the Seal of Biliteracy.
The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school students who have attained proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in a second language. It is an honor that students can achieve by demonstrating their language skills in either English or another language. Receiving the Seal of Biliteracy is a great accomplishment that can benefit high school students in many ways.
The Seal of Biliteracy is recognized by many universities and employers as evidence of a student’s proficiency in a second language. Having the Seal of Biliteracy on a student’s transcript is a clear indication that they have worked hard to achieve proficiency in a second language. This can make a student stand out when they apply for college or jobs in a competitive market. Many colleges and universities have begun to offer credit for proficiency in a second language, which can save students both time and money in their college education. In addition, many employers are seeking candidates who are bilingual and can communicate effectively with clients, customers, or colleagues. The Seal of Biliteracy can give students an advantage in college admission and the job market, particularly in industries such as education, healthcare, hospitality, and customer service.
Receiving the Seal of Biliteracy can enhance a student’s awareness and broaden their understanding of other cultures. Learning a second language is not just about acquiring language skills but also about gaining an appreciation for different cultures and ways of life. By learning a second language, students can develop a deeper understanding and respect for diverse cultures and traditions. This can make them more empathetic, open-minded, and better equipped to engage with people from different backgrounds. The Seal of Biliteracy is one quick way that schools and employers can identify that the student has met a level of fluency and competency in two or more languages and cultures.
Learning a second language requires dedication, discipline, and hard work. By achieving proficiency in other languages, students can feel a sense of accomplishment that can boost their self-confidence and give them a sense of pride in their abilities. This can translate into other areas of their life, such as sports, music, or extracurricular activities, where they can apply the same discipline and hard work to achieve their goals. Communication is consistently ranked by employers as a top skill they seek in employees and candidates. In fact, a 2022 National Association of Colleges and Employers survey has communication skills as the #5 top attribute that employers seek on a candidate’s resume.
The Seal of Biliteracy is a valuable recognition that high school students should strive to attain. It can open up opportunities for college and career advancement, broaden their cultural awareness, improve their academic performance, and boost their self-esteem. Learning a second language is not just about acquiring language skills but also about gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures and traditions. Therefore, high school students who have the opportunity to receive the Seal of Biliteracy should strongly consider it.
And the seal is not just for learners of English and Spanish. There are many languages recognized in the program, including American Sign Language.
Which States Offer the Seal of Biliteracy?
49 states and Washington D.C. have approved the Seal of Biliteracy. Who is the holdout? As of this post, there is one lonely state which does not offer the Seal - South Dakota. Come on South Dakota, you can do this!
If you are interested in the Seal, here are the steps you should take.
Check with your school counselor. Your school counselor is usually the first point of contact for questions related to academic awards and achievements. They can tell you whether your school offers the Seal of Biliteracy and what the requirements are to receive it.
Look for information on your school’s website. Many high schools have a dedicated page on their website that explains the various academic awards and recognitions offered to students. Check your school's website for information on the Seal of Biliteracy or language proficiency awards.
Ask your language/culture teacher. If you are taking a second language class, your teacher may be able to provide you with information about the Seal of Biliteracy. They may also be able to give you advice on how to improve your language skills to meet the requirements for the award.
Contact your school district’s language department. If you are having trouble finding information about the Seal of Biliteracy at your school, you can contact your school district’s language department. They may be able to tell you which schools in the district offer the award and provide you with more information on how to apply.
Keep in mind that just because your State has approved the Seal, doesn’t mean your school or school district offers it. For example, this website shows you the school districts in Colorado offering the Seal. Unfortunately, my local school district does not offer it (Durango 9-R) as you can see below.
Above: Colorado school districts which offer the Seal of Biliteracy
If you are interested in receiving the Seal of Biliteracy, it is important to take the initiative to find out if your school offers it and what the requirements are. The recognition, and the skills you have through learning other languages, can provide many benefits for your future academic and career pursuits.
Pro-tip: If your school doesn’t currently offer the Seal of Biliteracy, become an advocate and work with your school administrators to go through the steps to have your school participate in the program. Start by going to your state’s website for higher education or search for “<name of state> seal of biliteracy program”. This should bring up the state-level contact to learn more about the steps to bring the program to your school. This will be a terrific legacy for you, future students at your school will benefit, and it will be a major contribution that you can write about in your college admission essays and scholarship essays. It’s a win-win!
