The Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy is a certification that recognizes Arkansas high school students who have studied and attained proficiency in English and one or more additional languages. The Seal is awarded in the form of an official certificate that serves as evidence of the student’s language proficiency. A digital Seal is also available to schools for placement on a student’s high school transcripts.

The Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy is awarded by AFLTA (Arkansas Foreign Language Teachers Association) and ARKTESOL (Arkansas Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) and represents a collaborative effort among these organizations, K-12 educators, university faculty, and community members. In June 2018, the Arkansas State Board of Education officially endorsed the Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy.

Since March 2017, 8,110 high school students have earned the Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy, across 124 high schools, in 46 languages other than English.

The Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy encourages students to pursue language acquisition and honors skills that are highly valued by colleges, employers, and the military. Students can include the Seal on college and job applications as evidence of advanced language proficiency; far more meaningful than listing high school language courses alone.

The Seal of Biliteracy is nationally recognized in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., allowing students to carry this credential with them wherever they go after graduation. It helps distinguish applicants by promoting language learning, celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity, and recognizing an essential 21st-century workforce skill. Research shows biliterate students are more likely to attend college, less likely to drop out of high school, and more likely to obtain higher-paying jobs.

Who benefits? Students earn a meaningful, tangible credential, schools and colleges receive clear evidence of advanced language skills, and employers gain a workforce strengthened by biliteracy as a career-ready skill.

Students earn the Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy by demonstrating proficiency in English and one or more additional languages. The process includes the following steps:

• Work closely with a teacher, who plays an important role in supporting the application process and verifying student documentation. 

• Review the Guide Document available on this website for approved assessments and minimum score requirements.

• Demonstrate proficiency in English and one or more additional languages through state-approved assessments or nationally recognized language exams, as outlined in the Guide Document.

• Submit required documentation through the Google Form application on this website during the fall or spring submission windows.

Eligibility requirements vary depending on the assessment, so students and educators should always refer to the most current Guide Document.

For questions or additional information, please contact the Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy Committee: ARSB@arbiliteracy.org