Dear Parents and Guardians,
The Monmouth County Vocational School District offers our students the opportunity to receive the New Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy and The Global Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal of Biliteracy is an accolade offered by the New Jersey Department of Education to award hardworking World Language learners who achieve Intermediate 3 or above in all four modes of communication. Additionally, The Global Seal of Biliteracy will be awarded to students who achieve Intermediate 4 or above in the four modes without having to take a second test.
To achieve the Seal of Biliteracy students demonstrate proficiency in two languages. The NJDOE offers districts a choice in metrics for establishing proficiency in a World Language and MCVSD has chosen to use the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages’ (ACTFL) Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) exam for Spanish and French and the ACTFL Latin Interpretive Reading Assessment (ALIRA) for Latin.
Students will show English language proficiency by completing the English Language Arts graduation requirements. Students who are awarded the Seal of Biliteracy will receive a seal on their diploma, and be presented with a cord for graduation. Should they choose to do so, students may indicate their score on the AAPPL or ALIRA exam on their college applications. Students that have a cumulative average of 92 or better in their World Language class are eligible to take the exam in their Junior or Senior years.
The Monmouth County Vocational School District prides itself on offering students practical skills that can be used in higher education, the workforce and beyond. The Seal of Biliteracy will add to that already impressive list of skills, while promoting World Language learning and celebrating multiculturalism.
If your child is eligible and would like to take the Seal of Biliteracy assessment, you must complete the interest form by May 18, 2025. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the MCVSD World Language Curriculum Coach: Courtney Van Arsdale at cvanarsdale@ctemc.org.