New York State established the Seal of Biliteracy to:
- To encourage pupils to languages.
- To certify attainment of biliteracy.
- To provide employers with a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills.
- To provide universities with an additional method to recognize applicants seeking admission.
- To prepare pupils with twenty-first century skills.
- To recognize the value of foreign language and native language instruction in public schools. For the purpose of this section foreign language means any language other than English (LOTE) including all modern languages, Latin, American Sign Language, Native American languages and native languages.
- To strengthen intergroup relationships, affirm the value of diversity, and honor the multiple cultures and languages of a community.