The State Seal of Biliteracy is a recognition given to high school seniors who have studied and can exhibit the ability to communicate in two or more languages (including English) by the spring of their senior year of high school. The State Seal of Biliteracy is a statement of accomplishment for college admission and for future employers.

Though school district participation in this initiative is voluntary, Proviso Township High Schools District 209 considers the State Seal of Biliteracy to be consistent with our district priorities and the alignment with our vision of promoting multilingualism, biliteracy, and inter-cultural awareness as crucial levers in students’ success in college and career.

The State Seal of Biliteracy is intended for all students who have mastered standard academic English and any other language, including American Sign Language. Students who are native English speakers, English Learners (ELs) and/or bilingual speakers will be eligible for the State Seal of Biliteracy.

The State Commendation toward Biliteracy is a recognition given to graduating high school students who have demonstrated significant progress toward achieving a high level of proficiency in English and in reading, writing, listening and speaking in another language.

Graduating seniors who demonstrated proficiency in English and a World Language according to the testing requirements listed below:

For English Language Proficiency: Beginning in the school year, all applicants who used the SAT to document English proficiency for the State Seal of Biliteracy or the State Commendation toward Biliteracy must achieve a minimum score of 480 on the SAT, except for students who had been designated as English Learners (ELs) at some point during their high school years. Current or former high school ELs could have met the English Language Proficiency requirement by meeting state ACCESS guidelines.

For World Language Proficiency: High school seniors who have already scored a minimum of a 4 on an AP World Language exam administered by The College Board will be considered proficient in that World Language for the State Seal of Biliteracy. A minimum score of a 3 on an AP World Language exam administered by The College Board qualifies for the State Commendation toward Biliteracy. Currently, AP World Language exams are only available in Spanish and French. In addition, students can take the ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) Measure in a variety of languages too. A score of I-5 on Form B is the minimum score to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy and an I-1 on Form B is the minimum score to qualify for the State Commendation toward Biliteracy.

More information: https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Illinois-State-Seal-of-Biliteracy.aspx

If you would like to be considered for the State Seal of Biliteracy or the Commendation, please contact Mr. Stephen Ngo at sngo@pths209.org or by phone at 708-556-5583.