Medfield Public Schools Earns Two Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy Awards

Medfield Public Schools Earns Two Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy Awards

Superintendent Jeffrey J. Marsden is pleased to share that Medfield Public Schools recently received the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Seal of Biliteracy Star Award and Inclusive Access Commendation, recognizing the district's commitment to multilingual learning during the 2024-25 school year.

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Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Pedro Martinez presented the awards on Monday, Oct. 26, during the Multilingual Education Leaders (MEL) Network Fall Convening. World Languages and Cultures Department Chair Ellen Toubman accepted the awards on behalf of the district.

"We are immensely grateful to be recognized for our efforts in supporting language learning," said Chair Toubman. "These awards not only celebrate our students' achievements in the classroom, but also the multilingual experiences they bring into school from their home lives. In addition to honoring students and their cultures, the Seal of Biliteracy also provides graduates with higher education and career opportunities. I am proud of each student and faculty member who has contributed to this program, and cannot wait to see what the future holds for all of our Seal earners."

Medfield Public Schools received the Star Award, which requires a district to have at least 50 Seal of Biliteracy earners, or 10% of its graduating class. The award also requires the district to meet an equity benchmark.

The district exceeded the threshold requirement, with about 23% of the graduating class earning the Seal.

In addition to the Star Award, Medfield also met the Students with Disabilities Benchmark and earned the Inclusive Access Commendation, which recognized the district for having at least five students with disabilities graduate with the Seal, or at least two Seal earners with disabilities and 10% of students earning the Seal.

The Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy celebrates students who demonstrate proficiency in two or more languages. The Seal honors the multilingual skills students develop through their home experiences, heritage backgrounds and school programming. It recognizes proficiency in several languages, including American Sign Language, through an official endorsement on students' academic transcripts.

Students who earn the Seal qualify for college credits at many public institutions throughout the state, and with the communication skills bilingualism provides, students are further prepared for success in the workforce.

"These awards are a testament to the district's commitment to supporting multilingual learning and equitable access to language learning opportunities," said Superintendent Marsden. "Medfield Public Schools takes great pride in celebrating the languages our students pursue through both their home experiences and school curriculum. We are thrilled to see our students and World Languages and Cultures Department honored at the state level for their dedication to their languages."