Seal of Biliteracy

Purpose and Rationale

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. 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.

Eligibility for the Seal of Biliteracy

English language requirements:

1. Proficiency demonstrated on either of the following standardized state assessments

1. MCAS ELA: “Proficient” score of 472

2. ACCESS (for English Language Learners): Level 4 or higher

Partner language requirements:

2. Proficiency demonstrated on either of the following standardized assessments

1. AP Exam (If taken prior to 12th grade): Score of 4 or higher

2. STAMP 4S: Level 6 or higher in each category

STAMP 4S Exam

The STAMP 4S exam is a general language proficiency assessment of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. It is designed for second-language learners aged 13 and older in school grades seven and above including middle and high schools, college and university students, and adults. STAMP uses authentic texts and audio in situations the learner may encounter in the real world.

Each skill (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) is assessed separately and will be administered independently. The test is untimed, but a progress bar is provided to help test-takers manage their time effectively. On average, the entire STAMP 4S assessment takes approximately 3.5 hours to complete. The estimated time for each domain is as follows: Reading – 45 minutes, Writing – 60 minutes, Listening – 45 minutes, and Speaking – 60 minutes.

For French and Spanish, the exam is offered to level 5 / AP students in October during class. For other languages not offered at Bromfield, students can reach out to their language teacher or the World Language Department Leader to schedule times after school to take the exam. 

Practice tests are currently available in 15 languages.

Awards

Students who meet the criteria for the Seal of Biliteracy will be awarded 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 (see below). 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. 

• The State Seal of Biliteracy: INTERMEDIATE HIGH PROFICIENCY

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

• English Language proficiency: Proficient score of 472 or above on the MCAS, or score of Level 5 proficiency on the ACCESS

• The State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction: ADVANCED LOW PROFICIENCY

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

• English Language proficiency: Advanced score of 501 or above on the MCAS, or score of Level 6 proficiency on the ACCESS

College Benefits 

The Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy offers colleges and universities a way to recognize and award credit to applicants who demonstrate advanced proficiency in languages. Some institutions offer up to 15 credits. What an incredible opportunity (and savings!) Here are the institutions which currently provide credits for the Seal of Biliteracy. 

• Bridgewater State University

• Bunker Hill Community College

• Cape Cod Community College

• Massachusetts Bay Community College

• Middlesex Community College

• Mount Wachusett Community College

• North Shore Community College

• Northern Essex Community College

• Quinsigamond Community College

• Salem State University

• University of Massachusetts (Amherst)

• University of Massachusetts (Dartmouth)

• Worcester State University

Check the DESE Seal of Biliteracy website under the "Higher Education" for the most up-to-date information.