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Seal of Biliteracy

The State Seal of Biliteracy is a recognition for high school graduates who demonstrate high proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in English and at least one other language. Awarded as a gold seal on a diploma or transcript, it signifies accomplished language skills for college admissions and future employers, and encourages language study. The program encourages students to embrace their linguistic backgrounds and helps California maintain competitiveness in the global market, according to the California Department of Education (CA Dept of Education)
 
California Seal of Biliteracy
 

What It Recognizes:
High school graduates who demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in English and at least one additional language.

Proficiency Areas:

  • English
  • One or more additional languages

Benefits and Purpose:

  • Encourages students to pursue mastery in multiple languages.
  • Provides a formal credential certifying advanced language proficiency.
  • Identifies qualified bilingual or multilingual individuals for employers and colleges.
  • Promotes multilingualism to enrich California’s cultural diversity and enhance its global competitiveness.

How It’s Awarded:

  • English proficiency is demonstrated through assessments such as the CAASPP, AP, or SAT.
  • Proficiency in other languages is demonstrated through coursework, AP, language assessments, or district-approved methods, such as the ACTFL, especially when the AP exam is not available.
  • The award is symbolized by a special gold seal affixed to the student’s high school diploma and transcript.

Recognition:
Recipients are invited to the PRHS Senior Awards Night, where they receive a medallion to wear during the graduation ceremony. They are also publicly acknowledged during the PRHS Graduation ceremony.