FAQs

FAQs

1. How do I know if I am eligible?
   The assessment must be taken no sooner than 2nd semester of your junior year to count for the Seal of Biliteracy.  If you are a heritage speaker of a language other than those offered in the LPS or if you are / were in the ESL program, your ESL teacher can help you make the determination.

2. What test is used to measure my proficiency in a language(s) other than English?

Proficiency for language(s) other than English will be measured by a STAMP Assessment. The assessment measures the following four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

3. How much does it cost to take the test for the Seal of Biliteracy?
   The cost for a STAMP assessment is $30.00. Please submit a check written out to Livingston High School with the student's name, grade to your language teacher (or mail it to Mrs. Marzulla c/o the LHS Main Office) by Wednesday, November 22, 2023 to secure your assessment. The student name should appear on the memo line of the check.

4. Can I take the test in more than one language?
   Yes. 

5. How long does it take to get the results?
   Complete results are typically available in 1-2 weeks.  You will receive notification of your scores once they are available for all test takers.

6. How are students recognized?
   The NJDOE sends certificates in early June that are distributed at Graduation along with diplomas.  In addition, the district will provide a local recognition, including a notation on student transcripts as soon as students meet the required criteria above. Current juniors will not receive their certificate until Senior year.  

7. Does the Seal of Biliteracy come with any high school credits? 

No. The Seal of Biliteracy indicates recognition of a minimum proficiency level attained by a student in at least one language in addition to English.  The Seal of Biliteracy is not awarded based on seat time or course completion requirements, and it is not tied to credits.  Attainment of the seal does not provide credits toward graduation and does not act in any way as full or partial fulfillment for a student's being granted a diploma.

8. How does the Seal of Biliteracy benefit students?

• Provides nationally accredited means of demonstrating language skills to universities for the purpose of receiving academic credit

  • 2022 List of U.S. Universities & Colleges that offer credit for the Seal of Biliteracy

• Provides nationally accredited proof of language and biliteracy skills to potential employers

• Encourages study of languages, and the development of 21st century skills and global competence

9. How do I prepare for the assessment?  Can I practice?
   The following links are helpful resources to help familiarize yourself with the assessment. 

• STAMP 4S Test Taker Guide  

• STAMP 4S Benchmarks & Rubric Guide  

• Sample Tests

• Writing Samples

• Power up Guide (offers strategies for improving your proficiency)

9. How do I register?
   Students will self-nominate if they meet the criteria.  Here is the self nomination form.