World Language diploma seal promotes success for UCS students in a global economy

Utica Community Schools graduates will now earn extra recognition for demonstrating proficiency in multiple languages.

The Board of Education on February 8 unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing A Seal of Global Language on diplomas for students who have received a designated level of proficiency in English and one or more other world languages.

“Utica Community Schools expects that our students attain a high level of global language proficiency,” Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns said. “We also celebrate and honor the diversity of our students and know that these experiences are preparing them for success in a global economy.”

In addition to the gold seal on the diploma, students will receive a cord to wear at commencement to recognize their achievement. Global language proficiency will also be noted on high school transcripts.

“This recognition will not only benefit our students when it comes to being competitive in the workforce, it will also set them apart from other candidates during the college admission process,” Board of Education Treasurer Dr. Robert Ross said.

Global language proficiency is defined as the ability to read, write, speak and listen in more than one language.

Students must demonstrate proficiency in both English Language Arts and a world language. Students who have a home language other than English can earn a seal by demonstrating proficiency in both languages.
To earn proficiency, students must complete all requirements for graduation and meet proficiency on state standardized exams for English Language arts.

Students must also earn a college-ready score of three or higher on a world language advanced placement exam, pass the nationally-recognized Assessment of Performance Toward Proficiency in Language (AAPPL), or successfully pass the UCS test-out exam, if available.

The district’s effort to value students’ culture, language and heritage is appreciated by Welcoming Michigan.

“At Welcoming Michigan, we believe the Seal of Global Language will help create a more welcoming environment for all students and we applaud Utica Community Schools for their forward-thinking and innovative leadership on this issue,” said Christine Sauvé, southeast communities coordinator of Welcoming Michigan.