Seal of Biliteracy

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Language is an Asset

The Seal of Biliteracy is for all students who achieve a high level of proficiency in English and another language.

Earning the Seal of Biliteracy can help set you apart in your college and career paths.

The Seal can give you an edge by:

  • Improving opportunities for college admissions and scholarships.

  • Increasing job opportunities. Between 2010-2015 job postings targeting bilingual candidates more than doubled.

  • Boosting salary potential. Knowing a second language can increase one’s pay by 10-15%.

Apply for the Seal of Biliteracy for 2020 Graduation

Applications must be submitted by February 15, 2020. Please see below for requirements and FAQs prior to applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Seal of Biliteracy?

In March 2017 Colorado signed into law SB17-123 that gives school districts authority to grant a  diploma endorsement in biliteracy to a student who demonstrates proficiency in English and at least one other language. The bill established the requirements a graduating high school student must meet to obtain the biliteracy endorsement.

Why did BVSD adopt the Colorado Seal of Biliteracy?

 

  • To encourage students to study languages
  • To recognize the value we place on diversity, including language diversity
  • To prepare our students with the skills they need to succeed in the labor market and global community
  • To provide universities a way to recognize and give credit to our students’ achievement of high proficiency in multiple languages
  • To honor the multiple cultures and languages in our BVSD community

What are the requirements to earn the Seal?

The Colorado Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to graduating high school students who can read, speak, listen and write at a high level in English, as well as another language. In order to earn the Seal, students must demonstrate their high proficiency in both English and another language using the approved criteria below.

1.  Complete all graduation requirements

Students must fulfill all BVSD graduation requirements in order to earn the Seal. Students who are not yet high school seniors may complete all other requirements prior to their senior year.

2. Show Literacy in English

Must complete 1 of the following:

Criteria Score
SAT Evidence Based Reading and Writing Portion  ≥ 470
AP English language test  ≥ 3
AP literature test ≥ 3
IB English Language and Literature test ≥ 4

AND
Cumulative weighted 3.0 GPA across all Language Arts Classes (40 credits) required for Graduation from BVSD

3. Show literacy in a world language

Must complete 1 of the following:

Criteria Score
World Language Advanced Placement (AP) Exam, including American Sign Language ≥3
World Language Portion of an International Baccalaureate (IB) examination ≥4
Completes world language study through level 5 of higher ≥ 3.0 GPA
If none of the options above exist in BVSD, the student may request a meeting with the BVSD Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Department to review additional options to meet the World Language Requirement.  

Contact Us 

Yamil Herrera
Language Assessment Administrative Assistant
720-561-5214