Seal of Biliteracy

What is the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy? 

The Missouri Seal of Biliteracy is an award granted by a local district to recognize a student who has attained proficiency in English and one or more other world language(s) before high school graduation. The recognition of attaining biliteracy becomes a part of the high school transcript for these students and serves to certify attainment of biliteracy for the community, employers and universities. The Missouri Seal is meant to 

• encourage the study of a second language; 

• recognize, promote, and praise students for their accomplishment; 

• value diversity; 

• provide employers with a means of identifying bilingual employees; 

• provide universities with a method to recognize and give credit to applicants; 

• prepare students with 21st century skills that will benefit them in a global economy and society; and 

• strengthen relationships and honor the cultures and languages in a community. 

*Information provided by the MO Seal of Biliteracy Resource Guide.


What is the Global Seal of Biliteracy? 

We credential with the Global Seal of Biliteracy. 

The Global Seal of Biliteracy is an international credential that conveys proficiency with language skills in two or more languages for our students. The Global Seal of Biliteracy enables educators across the world to quickly validate a student’s language skills to provide appropriate placement in a language program, award college credit and even help earn scholarship opportunities. 

The Global Seal of Biliteracy allows employers to easily verify our students’ language skills and be confident that they possess valuable soft skills linked to language learners.  We believe language credentials will result in pay differentials and increased employment opportunities for our students. The Global Seal of Biliteracy is serial-numbered and can be added to a resume or LinkedIn under "Licenses & Certifications.”

The Global Seal of Biliteracy accepts multiple qualifying tests that we currently use in our classrooms so there is no added time or process for the students to receive this credential. Our school applies on behalf of students for the program and will handle the logistics of getting your student their Global Seal if they have qualifying test results. The Global Seal is and will be FREE for all. 

To learn more about the Global Seal of Biliteracy visit their website at www.theglobalseal.com. 

Eligibility

Missouri Seal: 

The Missouri Seal is intended to be earned by graduating high school students as well as awarded and celebrated at the culmination of the students’ senior year. Native English speaking students may acquire the second language through traditional world language classrooms, community-based programs, at home, worldly experiences or any other method attempted by the student. English learners (ELs) and other heritage language learners are also eligible. It is important to emphasize that ALL students acquiring any language in addition to English is a potential awardee. As the Missouri Seal is intended to promote not only the acquisition of a second language but also the participation in a global society and economy, a measure of sociocultural competency is required of all students earning the Missouri Seal.

*Information provided by the MO Seal of Biliteracy Resource Guide.

Global Seal: 

The Global Seal is available to seniors who can meet the criteria for one of the three award levels, “Functional Fluency”, “Working Fluency” or "Professional Fluency", by providing documentation for both languages (English + Another Language). 


Assessment

Missouri Seal: 

Liberty Public Schools has chosen the ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) test to assess students' language proficiency. Students must receive a score of Intermediate 3 (I-3) or above in reading, writing, speaking, and listening to earn the MO Seal of Biliteracy. Students who score at the advanced level (A) for all domains (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) will earn the Distinguished MO Seal of Biliteracy. In order to earn the Missouri Seal, students must have taken their language test during their junior or senior year. (English requirement: 4.0 or above on the ELL ACCESS test or a score of 18 or above on the English or Reading section of the ACT test or Proficient or above on the MO ELA EOC.)

Global Seal: 

Students will use their AAPPL test results from the Missouri Seal. However, students must earn a score of Intermediate 4 (I-4) or above in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in order to qualify for the Global Seal. Additionally, test results must be submitted within one year of the test date. (English requirement: 4.5 or above on the ELL ACCESS test or a score of 18 or above on the English or Reading section of the ACT.)


Benefits of Earning the Seal of Biliteracy


LPS Seal of Biliteracy Coordinator

Mrs. Christa Peck 

email: christa.peck@lps53.org


Testing Dates

(Saturday) February 3rd, 2024 (Seniors) 9am - 1pm @ LHS

(Saturday) March 2nd, 2024 (Juniors) 9am - 1pm @ LHS

Senior Retakes: March 2nd 2024 from 9am - 1pm @LHS


Seal of Biliteracy Award Ceremony

Date: April 11, 2024 

Time: 6-7pm

Location: Liberty North High School


Sociocultural Projects Due: 

March 21st, 2024

Deadline to Sign Up for Testing:

December 21, 2023

Join the 2023 SoBL Canvas Page:

Students can self-enroll in the course by clicking on this URL: 

https://lps53.instructure.com/enroll/LF9F9A