Seal of Biliteracy Pathways Program

The Seal of Biliteracy is an official recognition awarded to high school graduates who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language. The Seal honors students’ linguistic skills, cultural knowledge, and academic achievement and is displayed on a student’s high school diploma and transcript.

All high school students may qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy by demonstrating proficiency in English and one or more additional languages, regardless of whether the additional language is:

• A home or heritage language
• A language learned in school
• American Sign Language (ASL)

Onsite, online,  and homeschooled students are eligible if state and district requirements are met. Students may meet proficiency requirements prior to their senior year; however, the Seal is officially awarded during the senior year

Proficiency means the ability to use a language effectively in real-world situations across the four language domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing

Proficiency is demonstrated through state- or nationally approved assessments aligned to national language standards

The Seal of Biliteracy is accessible to all students who meet the proficiency requirements, regardless of language background or disability status. Students are entitled to the same accommodations used for state-required language assessments when completing Seal of Biliteracy assessments. Assistive technology and other approved supports should be used to ensure fair and equitable access for all learners.

Students must demonstrate required levels of proficiency in both English and another language using approved assessments.

English Proficiency (Iowa Seal & Global Seal):

Students may demonstrate English proficiency through:

• ACT, SAT, or AP English exams (score of 3 or higher for AP)
• ISASP English Language Arts assessment (Proficient)
• ELPA21 assessment (Score of 4 in all four domains for English learners)

World Language Proficiency:

Students may demonstrate proficiency through:

• AP World Language exams (score of 3 or higher)
• STAMP or AAPPL assessments
  • Intermediate 2 or higher for the Iowa Seal
  • Intermediate 4 or higher for the Global Seal
• ASL assessments (ASL is recognized as a world language)
• Portfolio assessment for languages without an approved standardized test

If no approved standardized assessment exists, students may complete a portfolio assessment reviewed by the district. The portfolio must demonstrate proficiency in all four language domains and may include:

• Formal and informal communication in the target language (speaking)
• Student-produced writing based on short prompts (writing)
• Reading and responding to texts in the target language (reading)
• Listening to and interpreting native speakers (listening)

Yes. Students may earn the Seal in multiple languages if proficiency requirements are met for each language

Students can track their progress by:

• Enrolling in and completing language courses
• Monitoring proficiency benchmarks
• Meeting with world language teachers, ELL teachers, and school counselors
• Participating in district Seal of Biliteracy program events and informational sessions

Students receive information about the Seal of Biliteracy upon entering high school, allowing them time to plan their coursework, assessments, and participation in program events.

• Testing schedules vary by building
• Seniors are encouraged to test by late February or early March to ensure scores arrive in time
• Juniors may test early to allow time for retakes

Some AP scores may arrive after graduation; students can still receive the Seal once scores are confirmed

There is no fee to apply for the Seal of Biliteracy. Some assessments may have associated costs, which are often covered by schools or districts using state, federal, or local funds.

Students should:

1. Review Seal of Biliteracy requirements
2. Meet with a school counselor or world language/ELL teacher
3. Complete the district application
4. Monitor school communications for next steps

Each high school submits names of students who have met all requirements. A district-level committee reviews eligibility, and qualifying students receive:

• A Seal on their diploma and transcript
• Certificates and graduation cords

Recognition at graduation or school award ceremonies

Earning the Seal:

• Recognizes bilingualism and biliteracy as academic strengths
• Strengthens college, scholarship, and job applications
• May lead to college credit or scholarships at some institutions
• Signals readiness for a linguistically and culturally diverse workforce

Bilingual and biliterate individuals are highly valued in education, healthcare, business, public service, and global industries

• School counselor
• World language or ELL teacher
• District Seal of Biliteracy Coordinator - Carmen Gwenigale