WOBURN, MA — Woburn Public Schools have earned an award recognizing the district's commitment to expanding multilingual achievement and equitable access to language learning opportunities.
The award was presented by Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez during the state's inaugural Seal of Biliteracy Gold Star Awards ceremony Oct. 26.
Woburn had to meet the state's established benchmarks for Seal of Biliteracy achievement, which include having awarded the Seal to at least 100 students or 20% of graduating seniors while also meeting equity benchmarks, according to a statement from the district.
The benchmarks recognize districts that increase Seal of Biliteracy awards among English learners and students who were formerly classified as English learners.
"We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition, which reflects our commitment to celebrating the cultures and experiences that make Woburn special," Superintendent Matthew Crowley said in a statement. "I want to thank our Multilingual Learner Department, Katherine Escobar and our World Language Department for their dedication to ensuring more students have the opportunity to earn the Seal of Biliteracy."
Woburn's Multilingual Director Rania Caldwell attended the ceremony to accept the award on behalf of the school system.
The Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy celebrates students who demonstrate proficiency in two or more languages, "honoring the multilingual skills they develop through their home experiences, heritage backgrounds and school programming. The Seal recognizes proficiency in multiple languages, including American Sign Language, through an official endorsement on students' academic transcripts," according to the statement.
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