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.

Dual Credit Students earn college and high school credit for specific classes taken at Proviso for which the school has an approved Dual Credit agreement, including Triton  College. These classes double as high school courses and college courses and are taught by teachers who are qualified to teach both. The Dual Credit program is open to students who are currently enrolled in or are interested in taking AP  (Advanced  Placement) courses. Students receive high school and college credit for the class. Courses with a dual credit option are denoted with “DC” or Dual Credit next to their titles in this catalog. Students should contact their counselor for information regarding eligibility and registration.  Dual Credit Forms can be found here for Triton College: https://www.triton.edu/academics/dual‐credit/

Dual Enrollment  Talented Juniors and seniors can enroll at a college with which PTHS has a formal agreement and attend classes while still in high school. Interested students should contact their counselor for information regarding eligibility and registration.  Eligible students may need to:
• Complete the Dual Enrollment Application 
• Take the ACCUPLACER Assessment 
• The assessment may be waived with ACT test scores of 20 in English and Writing and a score of 23 in  Math or SAT test scores of 520 in English and 580 in Math. All students planning to enroll in the Nursing  Assistant Program must earn a score of 80 in the reading portion of the placement test to qualify. 
• Obtain written permission from a high school administrator and a parent or guardian and meet with a  College Counselor  Proviso Township High Schools District 209             

Students participating in the  IB  Diploma  Programme or  IB  Career‐related  Programme are eligible to earn an  International Baccalaureate Diploma or International Baccalaureate Career‐related Certificate, respectively. The IB  learner profile describes a broad range of human capacities and responsibilities that go beyond academic success.  The IB Programmes take place over the final two years of a student's high school career (11th and 12th grades).  Students who obtain high scores on the IB exams may be granted college credit from their selected colleges or universities.  Students must apply for the IB Programmes.

According to the Bureau of  Labor  Statistics  Occupational  Outlook  Handbook,  many of the fastest-growing jobs through  2024 will be in  CTE  fields. Many of the highest‐paid jobs are also in fields for which  CTE  prepares students, including engineering, technology, health care, energy, architecture, IT, and marketing. Proviso Township currently provides instruction for careers in high‐wage, high‐skill, and high‐demand occupations in the areas of IT, Business, Human Development, Culinary Arts, Industrial Technology and Engineering.  CTE programs strengthen students’ technical skills; articulate transitions to postsecondary programs, employment, or both; assist in meeting the  Illinois  Learning  Standards;  and close achievement gaps.  These programs are instrumental in supporting student success and promoting continuous improvement.  Proviso Township High Schools District 209.          

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