How do I sign up for the Seal of Biliteracy?

Attend a meeting in the fall and complete the Google Form to be assigned a "Seal Advisor." A Seal Advisor is a teacher who understands the Seal requirements and provides guidance to students pursuing the Seal. Your Seal Advisor will meet with you to discuss the requirements.

How will I stay on track during the process?

You are responsible for understanding the Seal requirements and making regular progress toward earning the Seal. However, your Seal Advisor is there to address your questions and provide guidance to you along the way. Once you commit to working on the Seal, you must meet with your Seal Advisor at least once per month during scheduled ASR meetings to discuss your progress and continue your work. Once the meeting times are set, it is up to you to follow through with attendance and Seal requirements.

Which partner languages are eligible for a Seal of Biliteracy?

Eligible partner languages include ANY world language or American Sign Language. 

What if the school district does not offer the partner language I speak?

No problem! We have many students who speak languages that are not offered at Middleton High School. Partner languages are not limited to those offered at MHS.

When can I start working on the Seal of Biliteracy?

Students are encouraged to begin documenting their work toward the Seal of Biliteracy as early as their freshman year; however, the Seal of Biliteracy is only awarded to seniors each school year. 

How many times may I take a partner language assessment?

With the recommendation of your Seal Advisor, you may take a partner language assessment up to three times if your scores are very close to meeting the Seal requirement.

What is the cost for me to take a partner language assessment?

The MCPASD will pay for:

STAMP 4S

ALTA Assessment  (for languages not assessed in the STAMP 4S)

ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test for the Seal of Biliteracy (for languages not assessed in the STAMP 4S or Alta Assessment)

American Sign Language Proficiency Interview

The MCPASD will NOT pay for:

AP Language and Culture Exam (AP-eligible languages are able to be assessed with the STAMP 4S)

What is the proficiency level requirement for partner languages?

All students testing after the 2022-23 school year must achieve a score of "Intermediate High" or higher in EVERY tested domain of the partner language. Composite scores are not a factor. 

What is the proficiency level requirement for English?

A minimum score of 18 on the ACT English Language Arts (ELA) assessment is the requirement for all students who have never been identified as an English learner (EL). For current English learners (ELs), an ACCESS composite score of 4.0 or higher is required. For former ELs who exited EL programming in 6th grade or higher, their ACCESS score meets the English requirement. Former ELs who exited EL programming in 5th grade or below must qualify with either the same ACT score as non-ELs or a score of Intermediate High or higher in every domain on the  STAMP English assessment.

May I pursue the Seal of Biliteracy in more than one partner language?

Yes! In order to earn the Seal in multiple languages, you must meet the qualifying scores in all partner languages and English AND fulfill all of the sociocultural competency requirements. The sociocultural competency requirements ("Communicate Ideas and Take Action," "Recognizing Perspectives," and "Investigate the World") do not need to be done more than one time each; however, you should ensure every partner language is reflected within the sociocultural competency requirements. For example, if you are proficient in Korean and Spanish, you may choose to some community service hours under "Communicate Ideas and Take Action" in Korean, some community service hours in Spanish, one of your "Recognizing Perspectives" essays in Spanish, and your "Investigate the World" presentation on something related to Korean culture. 

Students earning the Seal in more than one partner language will receive a Wisconsin Seal of Biliteracy certificate for each qualifying partner language. Students earning the Seal in more than one partner language will receive one medallion total.

What is the deadline for submitting my Seal of Biliteracy requirements?

All requirements must be completed by April 15 of your senior year. No exceptions.

If I decide late in my school experience to pursue the Seal of Biliteracy, will I have time?

Perhaps; it depends on how late in your school experience you make the decision to pursue the Seal. Email "sealofbiliteracy@mcpasd.k12.wi.us" to consult with a Seal Advisor and determine whether or not completion of all the requirements prior to the April 15 deadline is realistic for you.

How will the Seal of Biliteracy be awarded?

Students earning the Seal of Biliteracy will be recognized in the spring of their senior year. Students will receive a medallion from the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District as well as a certificate from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). The certificate from the DPI will include the score of the lowest partner language domain tested (not the composite score).