Language is more than a college requirement, it is an enviable life skill.

The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by SPS BOE in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages. Students earn the SoBL by achieving an Intermediate Mid proficiency in the target language on an approved assessment; completing the SPS HS requirement for English; continuing World Language in their senior year*.

Cost: $20

Testing dates in March, exact dates TBD

Language is not just a credit for graduation that you “check off”, it is an important skill that “checks you in” to future opportunities.

“Why would I want the Seal of Biliteracy?”

• The SoBL provides you with a competitive edge in the employment market by identifying your verified multilingual skills.
• Biliteracy means more than just being bilingual. Someone who is bilingual can speak more than one language. Someone who is biliterate can speak, read, and write in more than one language.
• The SoBL provides an additional method for colleges to recognize applicants seeking admission and some universities offer college credits to students graduating with the SoBL.
• SoBL demonstrates that you value second language acquisition and have a high level of intercultural competence.
• The SoBL affirms that you value diversity and that you honor the multiple cultures and languages of our community and world.
• The value of language diversity in the 21st century cannot be overestimated. Our world is increasingly multicultural and multilingual and being biliterate is an important 21st century skill for all our students.

*Students who do not or cannot continue with their language their senior year will have to retest during their senior year to verify that they have maintained their proficiency level before the SoBL can be affixed to their diploma and transcript.