The Seal of Biliteracy is a nationally recognized award valued by both universities and potential employers that is granted to students who demonstrate proficiency in English and one or more additional languages by high school graduation. In the spirit of the HPS vision statement, the Seal of Biliteracy acknowledges students who communicate effectively, and rewards them as they develop the confidence and ability to understand diverse perspectives, and contribute to their local, national and global community. 

Earn credits at certain colleges!

Some colleges are now granting college credits for recipients of the Seal of Biliteracy! For example, UMass Amherst is awarding 12 credits for earning the State Seal of Biliteracy and 15 credits for earning the State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction. What an incredible opportunity to save money and jump beyond introductory courses!

Please check out the Massachusetts Biliteracy Pathway website and the Massachusetts DOE State Seal of Biliteracy website (under the "Higher Education" tab) to see a list of colleges which currently provide credit for the Seal of Biliteracy.

Eligibility for the Seal of Biliteracy

Seniors are eligible to apply for the Seal of Biliteracy. Before applying for the Seal of Biliteracy, students must demonstrate the following:

English language requirements

• • Proficiency demonstrated on either of the following standardized state assessments:

    • • • MCAS ELA: "Proficient" score of 240 (legacy) / 472 (next gen) or above

        • ACCESS: Level 4 or higher

Partner language requirements

• • Proficiency demonstrated on either of the following standardized assessments:

    • • • AP EXAM (if taken prior to 12th grade): Score of 4 or higher

        • STAMP 4S: Level 6 or higher in each category

The STAMP exam is restricted to seniors and students who are level 5 or AP. 

During the exam, students will be required to:

• bring a fully charged MacBook

• bring a headset/earbuds with a microphone

Please contact your language teacher or Ms. Terrio at lterrio@psharvard.org if you have any questions.  

Students who meet the criteria for the Seal of Biliteracy will be awarded a certificate in the spring of their Senior year during the Academic Awards Ceremony and will be publicly recognized for their achievement in the press and in the graduation program.  

The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded at two levels of proficiency: Intermediate High (State Seal of Biliteracy) and Advanced Low (State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction). The following descriptors indicate the communication skills required in the partner language for each level. Students must demonstrate the minimum proficiency level in all areas of communication assessed to be awarded a certain level of the Seal (e.g. students must attain Intermediate High in all communication areas in order to be awarded a Gold Seal). The Seal will be awarded in accordance with the lowest proficiency domain and a score in the novice range will result in disqualification. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these descriptors before applying. 

• The State Seal of Biliteracy

·       Partner Language Proficiency: Intermediate High (STAMP 4S Level 6, AP score of 4)

·       English Language proficiency: Proficient score of 240 (legacy) / 472 (next gen) or above on the MCAS, or score of Level 5 proficiency on the ACCESS

• The State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction

·       Partner Language Proficiency: Advanced Low (STAMP 4S Level 7, AP score of 5)

·       English Language proficiency: Advanced score of 260 (legacy) / 501 (next gen) or above on the MCAS, or score of Level 6 proficiency on the ACCESS

For more detailed information about the proficiency levels, please read the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.