The New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) was established to recognize high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages, in addition to English.

The intent of the NYSSB is to:

• Affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society

• Encourage the study of language

• Identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employer

• Provide universities with additional information about applicants seeking

admission

• Prepare students with twenty-first century skills

• Recognize the value of world and home language instruction in schools.

The Rochester City School District promotes the Seal of Biliteracy for all English Language Learners in our bilingual programs.