Iowa State Seal
What is the Seal of Biliteracy?
The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes that an individual has attained a certain level of proficiency in two or more languages. A Seal of Biliteracy is typically awarded in the form of a certificate and can be used as a credential to convey an individual’s proficiency in two or more languages.
The Iowa Seal of Biliteracy was first adopted in 2018. The Iowa Seal of Biliteracy has one award level and accepts many language tests, as well as multiple routes to prove English language proficiency. Below you will find more information on the Iowa Seal of Biliteracy.
A Seal of Biliteracy is an award that is granted by a school, district, state, or other organization. A Seal of Biliteracy recognizes that an individual has attained a certain level of proficiency in two or more languages. A Seal of Biliteracy is typically awarded in the form of a certificate and can be used as a credential to convey an individual’s proficiency in two or more languages.
IOWA SEAL OF BILITERACY OVERVIEW
Award Name: Seal of Biliteracy
Adopted: 2018/04/17
ENGLISH CRITERIA
English Requisite: ACT-18, IASAP Proficient, SAT 470
ELL Requisite: N/A
2ND LANGUAGE CRITERIA
Award Qualification: Intermediate-Mid
Why Earn the Seal?
Being able to speak more than one language is a valuable asset that can open up many doors in an individual’s life. A Seal of Biliteracy can be a powerful tool to earn college credit, apply for a scholarship or study abroad program, access greater employment opportunities, and qualify for pay differentials. According to the 2019 report, Making Languages Our Business: Addressing Foreign Language Demand Among U.S. Employers, by Ipsos Public Affairs that surveyed 1,200 U.S. employers, language skills are critically needed in a wide variety of career sectors and may result in higher salaries. Some states offer State Seal of Biliteracy recipients automatic college credit at their state university institutions. The Global Seal of Biliteracy provides colleges with a verified proficiency level useful for advanced placement.
A seal of biliteracy is important because knowing and using more than one language is a critical 21st-century skill. A seal of biliteracy:
Values language as an asset;
Recognizes the value of language diversity and cultural identity;
Prepares students with 21st-century skills that will benefit them in the labor market and the global society; and
Provides employers, universities, and grant or scholarship providers with a method to recognize applicants for their dedication to attaining biliteracy.