What is the State Seal of Biliteracy?

• The SSB is an award established by the state of California and is awarded annually by the CA Department of Education in recognition of graduating high school seniors 🎓 who have demonstrated proficiency in two or more languages.

• SSB recipients receive a gold seal for their high school diploma. 📜

• Earning the Seal prepares students with skills that will benefit them in the job market and our global society. 🌎

• The SSB promotes the study of World Languages and the preservation and growth of heritage language skills that prepare students for life beyond high school. 🤝

• Supporting the SSB in IUSD honors and celebrates the many cultures and over 70 home languages in our community. 💙

Why earn the State Seal of Biliteracy?

• Earning the Seal shows that graduates have measurable skills in English and at least one additional language. 🏆

• The State Seal of Biliteracy emphasizes the value of diversity and multilingualism in education, future employment, the military, and our global society.

• Students who have earned or are working toward the Seal can state that they are "California Seal of Biliteracy Candidates" on their college applications. 🏫

• Language skills provide students with a competitive edge in the job market where the demand for multilingual and intercultural skills is always growing.

• Being multiliterate and having intercultural skills provides increased access and opportunity for all students in meeting their goals in college, career, and life. 📈

• The SSB certifies that students have demonstrated functional fluency at the level of Intermediate Mid or higher in at least one language in addition to English.

How can I earn the State Seal of Biliteracy in IUSD?

There are different pathways for achieving the California Seal of Biliteracy.

Please see the resources below that outline the pathways to the SSB in IUSD. 👇

I've Earned the State Seal of Biliteracy - Now What?

• Earning the Seal shows your commitment to language learning, which is a lifelong journey!

• The SSB demonstrates that you have established a strong foundation in a language other than English and have intercultural knowledge and skills.

• Reaching the Intermediate Mid level of language proficiency (the minimum to earn the California Seal of Biliteracy) shows that you are functionally proficient in the language and can interact in the culture in social and some formal situations.

• To continue to progress through the Intermediate stage of proficiency, continue interacting regularly with native speakers of the language - in the community, through travel, or by living abroad!

• To move toward the Advanced stage of proficiency, establish ways to regularly get authentic language input - through news, podcasts, shows, movies, social media, articles, and books in the target language.

• Take a look at the chart below that outlines the different workplace environments that are appropriate in the target culture as you progress through the different levels of language proficiency.