Why have the Seal of Biliteracy?

Lebanon School District became a Seal of Biliteracy school in 2019.

Purpose

The Missouri Seal of Biliteracy (Missouri Seal) promotes active participation in a global society and economy by incentivizing, recognizing and celebrating the acquisition of biliteracy skills and sociocultural awareness. The Missouri Seal is a policy-level commitment to develop proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation that aligns with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) goal of preparing Missouri students for a lifetime of success.

Rationale

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is dedicated to supporting Missouri schools in providing an education that fully prepares students for life in a global society and economy. These skills include the ability to communicate with clients, colleagues and associates who speak a language other than English as well as understand the sociocultural intricacies that can further enhance the relationship. The Missouri Seal is intended to clarify, validate and revitalize the public perceptions associated with acquiring languages, raise awareness of the need and benefits of acquiring a second language and promote cultural understanding.

For more information on the Seal of Biliteracy, visit DESE's Seal of Biliteracy website.