Embedded Files
English language requirements
English language requirements
Students must exceed or meet expectations for Grade 10 ELA MCAS.
To qualify for a Seal: 472-500 (meets)
To qualify for a Seal with Distinction: 501 or higher (exceeds)
Alternatively, ACCESS scores may be used to satisfy the English language criteria for English Learners if students fulfill the requirements of an Educational Proficiency Plan and attain English proficiency with an overall score of 4.2 and a composite literacy scores of 3.9.
Second language requirements
Second language requirements
Achieve a proficiency rating of Intermediate High or above in a second language on state-approved proficiency testing. The Dudley-Charlton Regional School District offers AAPPL and STAMP language proficiency testing as well as Advanced Placement testing for Spanish. On all of these tests, students are assessed on their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Click on the test name to get more information from each testing company.
To qualify for a Seal: I5 in all skills (Intermediate High)
To qualify for a Seal with Distinction: A1 in all skills (Advanced Low)
To qualify for a Seal: Level 6 in all skills (Intermediate High)
To qualify for a Seal with Distinction: Level 7 or above in all skills (Advanced Low)
To qualify for a Seal: Composite score of 4
To qualify for a Seal with Distinction: Composite score of 5
In rare circumstances, a portfolio may be used to evaluate the student's second language proficiency. Those circumstances include the following:
Instances when there is not a readily available assessment in a particular world language; and/or
The district deems the portfolio process as necessary because of a student’s disability.
What is a Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction?
What is a Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction?
A Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction is an extra honor added to the regular state Seal of Biliteracy, which affirms that a student has gone above and beyond Intermediate High proficiency in both English and a second language. Students who receive a Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction will see a similar seal on their transcripts, with the "distinction" designation added.
What do "Intermediate High" and "Advanced Low" proficiency scores even mean?
What do "Intermediate High" and "Advanced Low" proficiency scores even mean?
Great question! The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) affirms that language learning can be rated on a continuum. Their inverted pyramid, shown left, does a great job of showing what the levels mean.
When people begin learning a language, they are considered Novices. They have only a small amount of language to use in small, specific contexts and they speak and write in lists and short sentences.
As a person acquires more language and begins to be able to produce on their own spontaneously, they become Intermediate. Most language learners spend a large portion of time in the Intermediate phase, because they are acquiring more language, but their use of it can sometimes be messy.
A person with Intermediate High proficiency (required for a Seal) can navigate familiar contexts in the language with ease, and handle some unfamiliar contexts. They make mistakes, but they do not impede communication with a native speaker. They are able to speak and write in sentences and paragraphs. Intermediate High is considered a professional working standard for fluency in the United States.
Speakers become Advanced when they are able to handle unfamiliar situations with more ease (such as hypotheticals), speak and write with more accuracy and handle academic and/or lengthy discourse. For this reason, a score of Advanced Low (required for a Seal with Distinction) Is considered exceptional for students, especially those who have learned their second language outside of the home.
Page updated
Report abuse