Seal of Biliteracy
Fall River Public Schools introduces the implementation of the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy
Collaboration of the Multilingual Learners Department, the World Language Department, and the School Counseling Department at B.M.C. Durfee High School.
Andrew Woodword Shelly A. Silvia, PhD
Director of School Counseling
awoodward@fallriverschools.org
World Language Department Head
Fall River Public Schools BMC Durfee High School
sasilvia@fallriverschools.org
Contact: 508-675-8420
Mission Statement
The mission of Fall River Public School’s Seal of Biliteracy Award is to empower students to celebrate their multilingual and multiliterate
achievements. By promoting the awareness of linguistic diversity within the community from the onset of education in kindergarten, all students
will be exposed to a multilingual and multiliterate educational experience.
The implementation of the Seal of Biliteracy will advance Fall River's commitment that every student graduates with the knowledge and skills to participate successfully in a diverse 21st century society.
The Fall River Seal of Biliteracy will encourage students to:
● Study and master languages
● Promote the value of language diversity
● Graduate college and career ready students with 21st century language and biliteracy skills
● Build a diverse, accepting community that honors multilingual and multiliteracy scholars
● Prepare students with skills that will benefit them in the labor market,
post-secondary education, and the global society
Purpose
The Seal of Biliteracy encourages students to pursue biliteracy, honors the skills our students attain, and can be evidence of skills that are attractive to future employers and college admissions offices.
Goals
The Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy:
● Encourages students to study and master languages
● Certifies attainment of biliteracy skills
● Recognizes the value of language diversity
● Provides employers with a method of identifying people with language and
biliteracy skills
● Provides universities with a method to recognize and give credit to applicants for attainment of high-level skills in languages
● Prepares students with skills that will benefit them in the labor market and the global society
● Strengthens intergroup communication and honors the multiple cultures and languages in a community
What is the Seal of Biliteracy?
The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by a school, district, or county office of education in recognition of any student who demonstrates proficiency in English and any other language, whether they speak the non-English language at home or learned it at school or in the community.
B.M.C. Durfee High School students who earn the Seal of Biliteracy will receive a distinction on their high school diploma and transcript upon
graduation. Awarded students will be given honors cords at a dedicated recognition ceremony to be won on graduation day. Additionally, students earning the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy in their junior or senior year of
high school are now eligible for college credit at select universities! Bridgewater State University and Salem University are examples of some of
universities currently offering college credit for obtaining the Seal of Biliteracy.
B.M.C. Durfee High School students who earn the Seal of Biliteracy will receive a distinction on their high school diploma and transcript upon
graduation. Awarded students will be given honors cords at a dedicated recognition ceremony to be won on graduation day. Additionally, students earning the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy in their junior or senior year of
high school are now eligible for college credit at select universities! Bridgewater State University and Salem University are examples of some of
universities currently offering college credit for obtaining the Seal of Biliteracy.
Criteria
In order to earn the Seal of Biliteracy, students at the high school level must meet the following minimum requirements:
1. Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English by satisfying ONE of the following:
- Attaining a score of Meeting Expectations or Exceeding Expectations on the grade 10 English Language Arts MCAS; or
- Attaining a score of Partially Meeting Expectations on the grade 10 English Language Arts MCAS and meeting English language proficiency standards
on the WIDA ACCESS assessment taken during high school; or - Attaining a minimum score or level on a nationally recognized and readily available assessment approved by the Department that measures proficiency in English. The Commissioner shall determine the minimum score or level, which shall be aligned to the score of Meeting Expectations or Exceeding Expectations on the grade 10 English Language Arts MCAS or higher education standards for awarding advanced credit.
2. Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in a language other than English through ONE of the following:
- Attaining a minimum score or level on a nationally recognized and readily available assessment approved by the Department and taken during or
after grade 8 that measures literacy in a language other than English. The Commissioner shall determine the minimum score or level, which shall
be aligned to higher education standards for awarding advanced credit by examination and ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.; or - An alternative evidence method established by the
Department in guidance.
Seal of Biliteracy Application