District 308 to Offer Seal of Biliteracy to Qualified Graduating Seniors

OSWEGO, IL — Community Unit School District 308 will begin offering the Illinois Seal of Biliteracy to recognize graduating high school students who are proficient in both English and at least one other language, according to a news release from District 308.

Also offered to students will be the Commendation of Biliteracy, which recognizes high levels of proficiency in their languages but does not meet the criteria to earn the more rigorous Seal of Biliteracy.

“Being able to offer the Seal of Biliteracy to our graduating students is an historic event. For the first time, we will be able to officially recognize students who reach high levels of proficiency in both English and at least one other language,” said Director of English Learners Theresa Ulrich in the release. ”This achievement will be a testament of their hard work supported by their families, School District 308 world language programs, and School District 308 English learner programs, such as dual language. We look forward to celebrating and honoring the first of many graduates with the the Seal of Biliteracy in May 2017.”

The Seal of Biliteracy, an award given by a district, school, or county office of education:

• Encourages students to study and become communicatively proficient in multiple languages
• Certifies attainment of biliteracy skills using a data-based, nationally recognized assessment framework
• Recognizes the value of language and cultural diversity
• Provides employers with a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills
• Creates more high school graduates prepared to compete in global job markets
• Provides universities with a method to recognize applicants’ attainment of high-level skills in multiple languages
• Prepares students with 21st century skills that will benefit them in the labor market and global society
• Strengthens intergroup relationships and honors multiple cultures and languages within a community

For the 2016-17 school year, District 308 will offer the Seal of Biliteracy in the following languages: Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, and Portuguese.

Students interested in earning the Seal of Biliteracy need to submit an application. They can request an application through the World Language Department in their high school or download one from the district’s website here.

Photo courtesy of District 308.