The State Seal of Biliteracy is a gold seal added to a high school diploma recognizing graduating high school students who have attained proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages in addition to English.

In order to receive the Seal of Biliteracy, students need to demonstrate their language proficiency in English and at least one world language. There are several ways that a student can meet the requirements for the Seal of Biliteracy. Click on the flyer, go to cde.ca.gov/sp/el/er/sealofbiliteracy.asp, or keep scrolling to learn more about the Seal of Biliteracy. 

Note that languages eligible for the State Seal of Biliteracy are limited to those that are offered through AP and IB tests as well as school course offerings. This means that students may earn a State Seal of Biliteracy ONLY in one of the world languages offered at their school site.

Languages available for the State Seal of Biliteracy at Troy High School include:

• Spanish

• French

• Chinese

California created the first State Seal of Biliteracy in 2008 and today every state in the country has its own Seal of Biliteracy or is in the process of creating one. The purpose of the Seal of Biliteracy initially was to help address statewide literacy and close the opportunity gap by providing a incentives for multilingual students to continue developing their literacy skills in their home languages.

Receiving a State Seal of Biliteracy can* be evidence of skills for future employers and universities. For more information about the purpose of the State Seal of Biliteracy, view the Slides presentation or visit the State Seal of Biliteracy FAQ page.

*Note: There is little evidence that 4-year universities give any weight to the State Seal of Biliteracy for college applications.

In order to qualify to receive the State Seal of Biliteracy, a student must:

• Demonstrate proficiency in English by...

  • Completing all district requirements for English Language Arts (ELA) with a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) or higher -or-

  • Passing the ELA portion of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) with a score of "Standard Met" or higher.

  • *If a student is currently classified as an English Learner (EL), they must also receive a score of 4 or higher on the ELPAC test and complete all other reclassification requirements.

• Demonstrate proficiency in a world language by...

  • Completing a 4-year course of study in one world language with a 3.0 GPA or higher -and- written approval of the world language teacher -or-

  • Demonstrating proficiency with a language test such as:

    • Passing a world language Advanced Placement (AP) exam with a score of 3 or higher -or-

    • Passing a world language International Baccalaureate (IB) exam with a score of 4 or higher

Once a student has met these requirements, they should contact their counselor or liaison to complete the application for the Seal of Biliteracy. To see the application, click on the document.