The New Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in at least one language in addition to English by high school graduation. The NJDOE, pursuant to P.L. 2015, c. 303 enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey, established the State Seal of Biliteracy program in 2016 to help students recognize the value and the tangible benefits of bilingualism. Since its inception, a total of 30,195 Seals of Biliteracy have been awarded. This designation on a student’s high school diploma also provides employers and universities with a method of identifying bilingual candidates, students with 21st-century skills, and those who have prioritized the study of other languages and cultures. Moreover, the State Seal of Biliteracy emphasizes the importance of both bilingualism, which facilitates improved communication and boosts the local economy, and cultural understanding, which promotes social acceptance.
The State Seal of Biliteracy is established to recognize high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more foreign languages in addition to English. The local board of education shall award the State Seal of Biliteracy to graduating high school seniors who meet the criteria established by the State Board of Education pursuant to subsection a. of section 3 of this act. School district participation in this program is voluntary.
The purposes of the State Seal of Biliteracy are as follows:
To encourage students to study languages;
To certify attainment of biliteracy;
To provide employers with a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills;
To provide universities with a method to recognize and award academic credit to applicants seeking admission,
To prepare students with 21st-century skills;
To recognize and promote foreign language instruction in public schools and
To strengthen intergroup relationships, affirm the value of diversity, and honor the multiple cultures and languages of a community.
Contact the Office of Bilingual Services, and the Testing Office will work collaboratively to ensure all the steps are met.