This prestigious award is earned based on a three point system.
2 points are given by completing a three stage performance assessment which will evaluate the interpersonal, interpretive and presentational skills of the students.
The other point is earned by one of the following pathways for English and World Language.
Regardless of the pathway, all students must complete the performance assessment to obtain the Seal of Biliteracy.
Click below for more information about the performance assessment.
3 points for the English Criteria
3 points for the World Language Criteria
Score 75 or higher on the NYS Comprehensive English Regents Examination or score 80 or higher on the NYS Regents Examination in English Language Arts(Common Core)*
Complete 11th grade ELA course with an average of 85 or higher and be on track to receive an 85 or higher in ELA Senior Year
Taken the AP English Exam and received a 4 or higher.
Taken the IB English exam and received
SL 5 IB
HL 4
Completed 11th grade World Language course with an average of 85 or higher and be on track to receive an 85 or higher in a World Language course Senior Year
Be currently enrolled in a Checkpoint C level World Language course
Students who speak a second language at home (Heritage speaker) , and may not necessarily be enrolled in a world language course, are eligible to apply for the Seal of Biliteracey. For more information, see the criteria below!
3 points for the English Criteria
3 points for the World Language Criteria
score 75 or above on two Regents exams other than English, without translation.
score at the Commanding level on two modalities on the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) as demonstrated by an overall scale score of 290.
Score 75 or higher on the NYS Comprehensive English Regents Examination or score 80 or higher on the NYS Regents Examination in English Language Arts(Common Core)*
Complete 11th grade ELA course with an average of 85 or higher and be on track to receive an 85 or higher in ELA Senior Year
Provide transcripts from a school in a country outside of the U.S. showing at least three years of instruction in the student’s home/native language in Grade 8 or beyond, with an equivalent grade average of B or higher
Completed 11th grade World Language course with an average of 85 or higher and be on track to receive an 85 or higher in a World Language course Senior Year
Be currently enrolled in a Checkpoint C level World Language course
Score at a proficient level on an accredited Checkpoint C World Language assessment. Click “Checkpoint C World Language Assessments and Minimum Scores” below. This is the World language criteria for a student who speaks another language at home but is not enrolled in a World Language course.
For the official criteria to earn the New York State Seal of Biliteracy
For a list of approved accredited exams to receive a World Language Credit click the link below.