Cazenovia CSD - World Languages

Language and communication are at the heart of the human experience. Learning other languages and understanding the culture of the people who speak them is a 21st Century skill that is vital to success in the global environment in which our students will live and work. America’s continued global leadership will depend on our students’ abilities to interact with the world community both inside and outside our borders.

World language education not only contributes to students’ career and college readiness, it also helps develop the individual as language learners take on a new and more invigorating view of the world. In our program, we stress the following three modes of communication which reflect how people communicate in real life.

INTERPERSONAL two-way interaction with someone else
INTERPRETIVE the ability to understand and interpret a one-way aural or written text
PRESENTATIONAL the ability to present information in either a written or oral format

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Photo: 2022 Seal of Biliteracy Recipients

The New York State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school seniors who have attained a high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages, in addition to English and acknowledges the importance of being bilingual in today’s global society. It highlights the years of hard work and achievement of students, and encourages them to pursue language study while in school. The distinction of attaining biliteracy is noted on their high school transcript, a NYS seal is affixed on their diploma, and the students receive a certificate, pin, and medal.

To earn the seal distinction, students must meet the initial ELA and World Language requirements then declare their intent to participate in the process. Interested language students should inquire about the requirements and expectations with their World language teacher or counselor so that they continue their language studies and will be eligible to apply for the Seal of Biliteracy as seniors.

Students who meet the initial requirements, and are interested in earning the seal, will be given the opportunity to start the application process in the fall of their senior year. The students will work with an advisor to complete and submit a culminating project that demonstrates fluency and excellence in English and an additional language. In order to be eligible to apply, you must be enrolled in the Senior College language course.