Embedded Files
What is the SoBL?
What is the SoBL?
The State Seal of Biliteracy is an award that recognizes high school graduates who attain high functional and academic levels of proficiency in English and a world language. Our vision is to help students recognize the value of their academic success and see the tangible benefits of being bilingual and biliterate. The State Seal of Biliteracy takes the form of a stamp that appears on the graduating senior's diploma and is a statement of linguistic achievement for future employers and for college admissions.
The following colleges and universities have established policies to award college credit for the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy:
Bridgewater State University
Bunker Hill Community College
Cape Cod Community College
Massachusetts Bay Community College
Middlesex Community College
Mount Wachusett Community College
North Shore Community College
Northern Essex Community College
Quinsigamond Community College
Salem State University
University of Massachusetts (Amherst)
University of Massachusetts (Dartmouth)
Worcester State University
Signing up, Links and Resources
Signing up, Links and Resources
Want to sign up for the SoBL assessment through the WHS language department?
PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM TO SIGN UP
Want to learn more about the SoBL?
Want to learn more about the STAMP test?
The State Seal of Biliteracy serves to:
The State Seal of Biliteracy serves to:
Encourage students to study and master languages;
Certify attainment of biliteracy skills;
Recognize the value of language diversity;
Provide employers with a method of identifying people with language and literacy skills;
Provide universities with a method to recognize and give credit to applicants for the attainment of high level skills in languages;
Prepare students with skills that will benefit them in the labor market and the global society; and
Strengthen intergroup communication and honor the multiple cultures and languages in a community.
How do I qualify for the SoBL?
How do I qualify for the SoBL?
World Language Criteria (for students enrolled in language class at WHS)
World Language Criteria (for students enrolled in language class at WHS)
Students who attain a score or level at the Intermediate-High level on a proficiency-based assessment can obtain the SoBL. In our language classes, we give the STAMP test. This assessment tests Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. In order to qualify for the seal, students need to obtain Intermediate-High on all four skills or earn a 4 on the AP test.
English Language Criteria
English Language Criteria
Students must obtain the following scores on the Next Gen MCAS: 472-500 (PM)
Criteria for the State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction
Criteria for the State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction
Students who demonstrate mastery of English and a foreign language may be eligible for the State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction. To earn the State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction, students must meet the following criteria:
English Language: 501-560 on MCAS (M/E)
World Language: scoring at the Advanced-Low level on all four skills or earning a 5 on the AP test.
The SoBL is not only for students who are enrolled in a World Language Class
The SoBL is not only for students who are enrolled in a World Language Class
The SoBL is granted to all students who meet the criteria for the award. Students do not need to be enrolled in a language class to take the SoBL assessment. We encourage all students who speak a language other than English at home to take the STAMP test in their home language.
When do I take the STAMP test for Seal of Biliteracy?
When do I take the STAMP test for Seal of Biliteracy?
If you're enrolled in a language class at WHS
If you're enrolled in a language class at WHS
WHS students who are enrolled in a senior-level World Language or Latin class will automatically take a proficiency test (STAMP) as part of their course. This will take place in February and students can expect to receive test scores within a few weeks.
If you speak a second language at home
If you speak a second language at home
If a WHS senior is NOT enrolled in a language class and they believe their language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) in their home language meet the criteria of Intermediate High, please fill out the form under resources & links on this page to sign up. The STAMP is available in 50 world languages. However, if your home language is not assessed by the STAMP, please indicate that on the form so we can arrange for other assessments that do assess the language you need. We find the qualifying assessment for you and share that information with you after you sign up. The test will take place in February as an in-school field trip.
Report abuse