Seal of Biliteracy

image of a seal and ribbon with words "Connecticut Seal" and "Biliteracy"

One cannot overestimate the value of language diversity. Our children are growing up in an increasingly multicultural and multilingual world. We are delighted that so many GHS graduates have earned the CT Seal of Biliteracy. We look forward to graduating increasingly larger numbers of students with the Seal of Biliteracy recognition in the years to come.

What is the Seal of Biliteracy?

Connecticut adopted the “Seal of Biliteracy” in 2017 in order to recognize high school graduates who are proficient in English and one or more other languages. Our state was the 28th to adopt this national program. Currently, all 50 states and Washington, DC have approved a statewide Seal of Biliteracy.

To qualify, students must first complete all English/Language Arts requirements for graduation. Next, they must demonstrate proficiency in at least one other language, through testing. Proficiency is determined through scoring on one of several state approved assessment tools such as the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) or Advanced Placement Exam. Students must demonstrate the state-determined level of proficiency in English, as well as one or more additional languages.

Earn the State of CT Seal of Biliteracy. Information for Glastonbury High School students and their families. What is the Seal of Biliteracy? The State Seal is a prestigious award recognizing student proficiency in English and at least one other world language. The Seal is a great addition to job and college applications. It helps to identify students with verified multilingual skills. How can I earn the Seal? Students must complete all GHS English/Language Arts graduation requirements. Students must also demonstrate proficiency in at least one other language by scoring well on specific writing and speaking tests. Who is tested for the Seal of Biliteracy? Students test for the Seal of Biliteracy in the highest level of language offerings and/or when they are seniors. Students who know languages that are not offered at the high school may be able to test to earn the world language requirement for the Seal of Biliteracy in these languages. What languages do you know? If students know a language that is not offered at Glastonbury High School and think they would do well on writing and speaking proficiency tests in this language, they can earn the Seal of Biliteracy in that language too! Either email Jimmy Wildman, the Head Teacher wildmanj@glastonburyus.org or students can see Mrs. Machnik in the Language Lab (room B213) for more information. Please visit our website for more information and/or to complete a form for testing.

Glastonbury Public Schools

157 GHS seniors receiving the seal in the 2023-2024 school year, across twelve languages. This is one of the highest numbers for a school district in our state.

Biliteracy vs. Bilingualism

The difference between biliteracy and bilingualism is an important one. A person who is bilingual can speak two languages fluently. A person who is biliterate, however, can speak, read, and write proficiently in two languages.

Seal of Biliteracy

Students meeting the criteria for biliteracy receive a seal affixed to their diploma and to their high school transcript. The marker is useful to both employers and to colleges and universities. It helps to identify students with verified multilingual skills, encourages students to study languages, and recognizes and rewards students' linguistic and cultural knowledge.

Seal of Biliteracy Testing for GHS Students

GHS Seniors are eligible to test for the Seal of Biliteracy as a part of their world language class. There is nothing that needs to be done for students currently studying the language they wish to test in.

If a student wishes to test for the Seal of Biliteracy in a language other than what is being studied at GHS, please complete this FORM.

REGISTRATION FOR SPRING 2025 TESTING IS OPEN THROUGH MARCH 1, 2025.

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