Global California 2030 Initiative

The California Department of Education’s Global California 2030 Initiative paves the road to a multilingual California by encouraging expanded access to world language classes, programs, and experiences; training more bilingual teachers; and improving the quality and availability of advanced language classes.

The following goals have been set under the Global California 2030 initiative:

by 2030: Half of all PK-12 students participate in programs leading to proficiency in two or more languages.
by 2040: 3 out of 4 students earn a State Seal of Biliteracy

Biliteracy Awards (5th Grade & 8th Grade)

We are excited to announce new awards available for 5th and 8th grade students who are enrolled in SFUSD programs leading to biliteracy (World Language, Dual Language Immersion, and Biliteracy Programs).

The Biliteracy Program Participation Recognition is available to all 5th & 8th grade students currently enrolled in SFUSD programs leading to biliteracy. This award is not based on student proficiency.

New in 2024-2025 school year, the Biliteracy Attainment Recognition is available to 8th grade students who meet proficiency requirements in both English and the language of study.

8th grade students who earn the Attainment Recognition will not earn the Participation Recognition.

These awards serve as an entry point on a student’s pathway to earning the Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation from high school. Through these awards, we aim to:

Recognize the development of language skills amongst 5th and 8th graders enrolled in our language programs
Encourage students to stay connected to their home language and culture
Raise awareness of the Seal of Biliteracy among Elementary & Middle School communities in order to ensure students are prepared to earn the Seal of Biliteracy upon High School graduation

SFUSD’s Multilingual Pathways Department collaborates with schools to recognize Biliteracy Awards recipients during 5th and 8th grade promotions. A certificate is provided to all students enrolled in the program regardless of the student's proficiency level, and we hope to have ribbons available for students who earn the Attainment Recognition.

Read more about the Biliteracy Awards in this slide deck.

California State Seal of Biliteracy (12th grade)

The California State Seal of Biliteracy is a recognition conferred by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction for graduating high school students who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages, in addition to English. The Seal of Biliteracy originated in California and was signed into law in October 2011. The first California Seals of Biliteracy were issued in early 2012.

While there are countless benefits to earning the Seal of Biliteracy, these are among the most salient for students:

affirms the value of cultural and linguistic diversity in a multilingual society
identifies high school graduates with bilingual communication skills for future employers and universities
prepares students with 21st century skills
encourages the further study of languages
recognizes the value of foreign and native language instruction in schools

Students have multiple options to demonstrate proficiency for both the English and World Language requirements for the Seal of Biliteracy.

SFUSD’s Multilingual Pathways Department collaborates with high schools to promote the Seal of Biliteracy and recognize Seal earners.

Read more about the Seal of Biliteracy in this slide deck.

Seal of Biliteracy Award

In addition to the California State Seal of Biliteracy that will be affixed to students’ high school diplomas, each student earning the Seal of Biliteracy will receive an official medal that can be worn during their high school graduation ceremony.

We encourage each school site to award and publicly acknowledge the accomplishments of these students.

Seal of Biliteracy Celebration ideas.pdf

Biliteracy Awards Promotional Materials

Pathways to Biliteracy Flyer

Seal of Biliteracy Flyer (Middle School).pdf

MS Flyer

Seal of Biliteracy Flyer (High School).pdf

HS Flyer

Selected Quotes with photos_Seal earners

Student Voices

Celebrating SFUSD's Seal of Biliteracy.mp4

Student Video