;

Seal of Biliteracy

Biliteracy Seal
South Windsor Public Schools is proud to offer the Connecticut "Seal of Biliteracy" to eligible graduating seniors. See the information below to learn more.


What is the Seal of Biliteracy?

The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given to recognize students who have studied and attained proficiency in English and one or more languages by high school graduation. The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes the value of students’ academic efforts, the tangible benefits of being bilingual and biliterate, and prepares students to be 21st century global citizens in a multicultural, multilingual world. The Seal of Biliteracy acknowledges that mastery of two or more languages is a valuable asset for both individuals and their communities. Also, the Seal of Biliteracy provides recognition to English learners for the great value of developing English and maintaining their primary language.

What does the Seal measure?

The seal measures a student’s ability to use a language for real world purposes. To attain the Seal of Biliteracy, students’ use of the language must be demonstrated, rather than their knowledge about the language. Bilterate students should be able to handle a variety of tasks in social situations, write compositions and essays, be understood by native speakers, read about a variety of topics, and explain the relationship  between the cultures and traditions of their languages. 

Who is eligible for the Seal?

The Seal of Biliteracy may be awarded to eligible senior students who are:
•  Enrolled in upper level World Language courses; or 
•  Heritage Speakers or English Learners who speak and study a different language at home


Eligible students must:

1.  Complete the necessary application; and
2. Take the AAPPL, ALIRA, or OPI/ WPT language proficiency assessment in their senior year and score an Intermediate Mid proficiency or higher in speaking, writing, reading, and listening.


“Being exposed to the existence of other languages increases the perception that the world is populated by people who not only speak differently from oneself, but whose cultures and philosophies are other than one’s own. Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry; but by demonstrating that all people cry, laugh, eat, worry and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try to understand each other, we may even become friends.”

– Maya Angelou,
Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now