MCC to Recognize Mass. State Seal of Biliteracy on Transcripts

As an institution dedicated to student success and closing equity gaps, Middlesex Community College strives to promote and recognize the achievements of its diverse population of students. Middlesex is now proud to recognize the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy as part of the Mass. Department of Higher Education’s Equity Agenda.

The State Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to and appears on eligible students’ high school transcripts or diplomas. Qualifying students are graduates of public high schools who are proficient in both English and a world language by the time of their high school graduation. The seal is considered a statement of accomplishment that will appeal to colleges and employers.

Marilyn Glazer-Weisner, MCC’s Director of the World Language Institute and Intensive English Institute, is a simultaneous speaker of Yiddish, English and Spanish who has a master’s degree in Applied Linguistics. Through her personal and professional experiences with languages, she understands the value of biliteracy.

“Middlesex recognizes linguistic equity,” Glazer-Weisner said. “All world languages are included in this opportunity which means that all world languages are treated with equity, respect and dignity. The State Seal of Biliteracy at MCC allows students to earn a tremendous head start in their college education.”

Middlesex helps students get credit for the work they have already done through the college’s Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program. With the Seal of Biliteracy, students place into college-level English Composition at MCC without needing placement testing or developmental courses.

“MCC will be among the first colleges in the state to offer credit for the Seal of Biliteracy,” said Rob Kaulfuss, MCC’s Coordinator of CPL. “We hope that all colleges in the state will eventually offer some form of recognition for high school students who have achieved this honor.”

For the Seal of Biliteracy Intermediate High level, students earn nine credits – three credits each over the course of three semesters – for world language electives. Students who qualify for Advanced Low level of proficiency receive 12 credits – three credits each over the course of four semesters – of world language electives for the Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction.

Credits will appear on students’ transcripts with a descriptive line referencing the Seal of Biliteracy and the college will work with students to identify their specific language. MCC offers 16 world languages – Arabic, Chinese, Finnish, French, German, Classical Greek, Modern Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Khmer, Latin, Portuguese, Russia and Spanish.

If no matching language exists at the college, the credits will count as general Humanities electives. Each college and university will independently determine how these credits are recognized, including if they are transferable. According to Glazer-Weisner and Kaulfuss, Middlesex is proud to be the first college in the state awarded the Seal of Biliteracy, allowing MCC to help students recognize the value and benefits of being biliterate.

Visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/priorlearning/biliteracy.aspx for more information on MCC’s Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy recognition, or contact Glazer-Weisner at glazerm@middlesex.mass.edu or 781-280-3934.

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