Seal of Biliteracy
General Information
Assembly Bill 815 (Brownley, Chapter 618, Statutes of 2011), known as the State Seal of Biliteracy (SSB) became effective January 1, 2012. The program recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages in addition to English. With the California Department of Education, Fortuna High School wishes to publicly recognize students who have developed linguistic proficiency in one or more world languages in addition to English. World Language study makes important contributions to students’ cognitive development and our national economy and security. Multiple languages are critical to participating effectively in global political, social, cultural and economic contexts and to expanding trade with other countries. The demand for employees to be fluent in more than one language is increasing rapidly in California and throughout the world. |
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Qualifying Procedures (eligibility criteria set forth by CDE)
To qualify for the SSB, high school graduates must meet all of the following criteria:
· Completion of a student application (please see SSB application below)
· Completion of all English–language arts requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average of 2.0 or above in those classes.
· Passing the California Standards Test in English–language arts administered in grade eleven at the “proficient” level.
· Proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English, demonstrated through the following methods:
1. Passing a foreign language Advanced Placement examination with a score of 3 (OR)
2. Successful completion of the District approved four-year course of study in the same foreign language, with a 3.0 or higher GPA in these courses (OR)
3. Passing the Scholastic Assessment Test II foreign language examination with a score of 600 or higher
*If the primary language is other than English, he or she shall do both of the following in order to qualify for the SSB:
· Attain the Early Advanced proficiency level on the California English Language Development Test (CELDT). For purposes of this paragraph, a participating school district may administer the CELDT test an additional time as necessary.
· Meet all the criteria listed above in 1, 2, and 3.
Recognition
This program is voluntary for school districts with no fees for students. The participating school districts are required to maintain appropriate records in order to identify students who have met the established criteria stated above. To recognize and encourage the achievements of students in world languages, the district shall present a Seal of Biliteracy insignia as an endorsement on a student’s diploma or transcript. In addition, during commencement ceremonies, students earning this honor shall wear a medallion depicting their exemplary accomplishments in biliteracy.
Contact Person: Hannah Gomez
ssb_application.pdf | |
File Size: | 139 kb |
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