Welcome to the PVHS Seal of Biliteracy information page!
Being able to know and use more than one language is a critical skill for the 21st century. Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise recently announced that the Iowa Seal of Biliteracy is now available for Iowa schools, beginning with the Class of 2019, to recognize students who demonstrate proficiency in two or more world languages by high school graduation.
The Seal of Biliteracy:
values world languages as an asset
recognizes the value of language diversity & cultural identity
prepares students with 21st century skills that will benefit them in the labor market and the global society
provides employers, universities, and grant/scholarship providers with a method to recognize applicants for their dedication to attainment of biliteracy
Any current PVHS Junior or Senior may apply for the Seal.
You must show proficiency in 2 languages, with English being one of them.
1) The options to demonstrate English proficiency include meeting one of the following requirements:
· ACT Test – English score of 18+
· AP English Language or Literature score – 3+
· ELPA21 Test score – 4 or 5 in all domains
2) The options to demonstrate proficiency in another language include a variety of testing options, all of which will be administered by Pleasant Valley. The assessment used will depend upon the language in which a student is wishing to demonstrate proficiency.
We will be administering the World Language assessments every Spring for any interested Junior or Senior.
You will receive a link to sign up for a preferred time. Testing is approximately 3 hours.
It depends on which test you take. To show proficiency in most World languages, the cost of the test is $20. ASL & other languages may have different pricing.
Students are responsible to pay for their own test. Payments will be posted into your Infinite Campus account and must be paid for prior to ordering a test for you.
Students who can demonstrate proficiency in 2 languages will receive the Seal of Biliteracy on their transcript as well as a certificate at Academic Awards night.
Depending on your level of Proficiency, you may also be awarded the Global Seal of Biliteracy.
Check back in 2026!
Class of 2019 = 55 Seniors earned the Seal of Biliteracy in 3 languages.
Class of 2020 = 70 Seniors earned the Seal of Biliteracy in 3 languages.
Class of 2021 = 80 Seniors earned the Seal of Biliteracy in 2 languages.
Class of 2022 = 70 Seniors earned the Seal of Biliteracy in 2 languages.
Class of 2023 = 52 Seniors earned the Seal of Biliteracy in 4 languages.
Class of 2024 = 55 Seniors earned the Seal of Biliteracy in 4 languages.
Class of 2025 = 62 Seniors earned the Seal of Biliteracy in 4 languages, with 21 of them earning the Global Seal of Biliteracy!
Class of 2026 = Currently 49 Seniors have qualified for the Seal of Biliteracy. 34 have also earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy!
Contact Miss Risius: risiusstephanie@pleasval.org