Over 275 Stamford Students Earn Seal Of Biliteracy In 22 Languages

STAMFORD, CT — Over 275 students in Stamford Public Schools recently qualified for the Seal of Biliteracy, according to the school district.

The designation means the students can read, write, speak and understand a language in addition to English. This year, students achieved the designation in 22 different languages.

"These results are a true testament to their hard work and the incredible diversity of our district," said Chief Academic Officer for SPS Amy Beldotti, in a news release. "The seal recognizes the value of being bilingual and bi-literal, skills that will advantage our students as they apply for higher education and jobs in the global society in which we live and work."

This year’s Seal of Biliteracy recipients represent both students whose first language is English and are studying a second language during high school, as well as members of the district's Multilingual Learner (MLL) population and heritage speakers, who have developed academic proficiency in their home language while mastering English.

Stamford students who earn the Seal of Biliteracy have a designation on their transcript, diploma, and receive a medal to wear at graduation.

During the 2023-24 school year, 277 SPS students qualified for the seal, including:

• 31 AITE students (27 seniors, three juniors and a sophomore)
• 117 SHS students (87 seniors, 21 juniors, seven sophomores and two freshmen)
• 129 WHS students (75 seniors, 54 juniors)

The Seal of Biliteracy is a national initiative that acknowledges the importance of citizens being biliterate.

More than half the world’s population speaks more than one language. Studies have shown that being biliterate has psychological, economic, and health benefits.

This year, SPS students earned the award in 22 languages including Albanian, Arabic, Bosnian, Czech, Farsi, French, Greek, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Telugu, Turkish and Ukrainian.

Six students earned the designation in more than one language.