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Biliteracy Seal

The Seal of Biliteracy is an award made by a state department of education or local district to recognize a student who has attained proficiency in English and one or more other world languages by high school graduation. The Seal serves to certify attainment of biliteracy for students, employers and institutions of higher education. It is a statement of accomplishment that helps to signal evidence of a student’s readiness for career and college, and for engagement as a global citizen. 

In order to qualify, students must meet the following requirements:

  1. Meet all graduation requirements including passing the English SOL with a score of Proficient or higher

AND

2. Take an approved proficiency assessment in a language other than English and earn a verifying score (score requirements vary by assessment). 

FAQ:
1.  Who is eligible to earn the Seal?

Juniors and seniors who meet graduation requirements and are either in Level IV world language courses or higher OR ESL students testing in their home language.

2.  What grade do students need to be in?

NPS will assess students in 11th grade or higher.

3.  My student learned a language outside of school. Can s/he earn the Seal?

Yes. Students who have learned a language outside of a K-12 setting may test and earn the Seal. 

4. When is the test and who arranges it?

NPS Uses the STAMP Test from AVANT Assessment. Testing occurs in the early Spring and is arranged by the Senior Coordinator of World Languages in collaboration with school counselors. 

5. What about IB & AP tests?

Students may use IB and AP test scores to qualify for the Seal however, those Seals may not be available in time for graduating seniors who test their senior year. 

For more information, visit the VDOE’s website about the Seal of Biliteracy. For information specific to Norfolk Public Schools, contact the Office of World Languages. 

Reach out to Zach Neumann, zneumann142@nps.k12.va.us.