BilIteracy Seal

Requirements for Earning an ohio seal of biliteracy

A Seal of Biliteracy recognizes graduating seniors who can demonstrate high levels of proficiency in English and at least one other language.

A school or district gives this award by following state-established guidelines. Watch the video on the right for additional information.

To earn this seal, students must demonstrate each of the following 2 items during high school.

  1. Demonstrate English Language Arts proficiency. This may done by one of the following:

  • Earn Proficient or Higher on ELA OST; or

  • Earn Remediation Free on reading sections of ACT (22) or SAT (450); or

  • Earn Proficient or Higher on the Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA)

Note: Akron Public Schools offers opportunities for all students to take the ACT and ELA OST. Additionally, all English language learners take the OELPA.

  1. Demonstrate world language proficiency. This may be done by one of the following:

    • Earn a score of 4 or higher on an AP Foreign Language exam; or

    • Earn a 6 or higher on the IB Standard-Level Foreign Language Exam or 5 or higher on an Higher-Level IB Foreign Language Exam; or

    • Attain a score of Intermediate High or higher in using ODE-approved assessments; or

    • Attain a score of Intermediate High or higher in American Sign Language on an approved ODE assessment; or

    • Attain a score of Intermediate High or higher in a classical language on an approved ODE assessment.

Note: Akron Public Schools offers opportunities for students enrolled in AP Foreign Language and IB Standard-Level Foreign Language to take the AP and IB exam to demonstrate world language proficiency. At this time, APS does not provide testing on any other ODE-approved assessments.

Who should attempt this seal?

Students should begin the work on this seal early on in high school. Most students will need to complete a lengthy study of a world language (4-5 years) to gain the proficiency necessary to qualify. Typically, students take any world language assessments during the spring quarter of their junior year and may retake it within a 15-month window.

All testing scores will be reported to the high school and counselors will report on transcripts attainment of the biliteracy seal. There are no forms or documentation needed from the student to complete this seal. APS will automatically credit students who meet the criteria, but a student should work closely with his or her school counselor to ensure the necessary testing has been recorded.