The Oklahoma Seal of Biliteracy is an official recognition for high school students who demonstrate proficiency in English and another language. Established in 2020, the seal highlights linguistic skills that are valuable for college, careers, and global citizenship. It promotes language learning and celebrates cultural diversity. Students can qualify through various pathways, including language classes and assessments. Schools are encouraged to support students in achieving this credential, which can be added to transcripts and diplomas.
The Zomi language is included in the list of languages for which students can demonstrate proficiency through an approved assessment. This list also features languages such as Arabic, Mandarin, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and many others, reflecting the diverse linguistic capabilities recognized by the Oklahoma Seal of Biliteracy program.
For more details, visit Oklahoma State Department of Education’s Seal of Biliteracy page.
Biliteracy: A Multilingual Advantage
In an increasingly globalized world, the ability to communicate effectively in more than one language is a valuable asset. Biliteracy, the ability to read, write, and collaborate in multiple languages, is more than just the acquisition of two separate languages. It involves using the knowledge of one language to enhance the understanding and use of another.
In Oklahoma, this linguistic prowess is recognized and honored through the Oklahoma Seal of Biliteracy. Established in September 2020, this credential is awarded by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) to high school students who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in English and at least one other language.
The Seal of Biliteracy is not just a badge of honor; it’s a valuable credential that sets students apart when applying for jobs, college, or the military. It’s a testament to their readiness for a career, college, and their role as global citizens. According to a study by Gándara and Escamilla (2017), biliterate students are less likely to drop out of high school, more likely to attend college, have fewer behavior problems at school, and secure higher-paying jobs than their monolingual peers.
The beneficiaries of the Oklahoma Seal of Biliteracy are manifold. Students receive tangible recognition for their linguistic skills, academic institutions gain evidence of their students’ advanced linguistic abilities, and potential employers value the biliteracy-related credentials and career endorsements.
In a noteworthy milestone, Oklahoma became the 40th state, along with the District of Columbia, to establish a Seal of Biliteracy.
To earn the Seal of Biliteracy, students in grades 9-12 must demonstrate proficiency in both English and another language through state-approved assessments. The journey towards biliteracy can begin well before high school and can occur in various contexts, such as learning a language in a PreK-8th grade World Language program, being raised in a multilingual household, or living in a country where another language is spoken.
Districts can support students in their pursuit of the Seal of Biliteracy by providing information about the program, selecting a coordinator to identify potential candidates, supplementing assessment funding, and celebrating the success of students who achieve the Seal. They can also provide professional development to World Languages faculty and ensure access to second-language instruction for all students from early elementary grades.
In conclusion, the Oklahoma Seal of Biliteracy is more than just a credential; it’s a celebration of linguistic and cultural diversity, a recognition of 21st-century career skills, and a testament to the state’s commitment to preparing its students for a globalized world.
Learn more about this at https://sde.ok.gov/sealofbiliteracy
What is it?
- The Oklahoma Seal of Biliteracy is a credential recognizing high school students who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and one or more other languages.
Why get involved?
- Students who receive the Seal of Biliteracy obtain a nationally recognized credential that is attractive to colleges and future employers. It is also a fantastic way to strengthen your school’s language program and advocate for world languages and multilingualism in the state.
Who can receive it?
- Any Oklahoma high school student who is proficient in English and one or more other languages! It does not matter how, where, or when the student acquired the languages.
What do students receive?
- Students who qualify for the Oklahoma Seal of Biliteracy receive an official certificate and foil diploma seal from the OK State Department of Education. Districts will also add the credential to students’ official transcripts.
What counts as proficient?
- The Oklahoma Seal of Biliteracy offers two levels: Gold and Platinum. Gold is attained at the Intermediate-Mid proficiency level, while Platinum corresponds to Advanced-Low (see the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines).
How can students show their proficiency?
- There are many approved language tests to show proficiency in both English and the other language(s). Here is a list showing approved language tests and minimum score requirements for the Gold and Platinum levels. Please note that students may already have qualifying scores on the ACT, AP, IB, PSAT, SAT, or WIDA ACCESS tests.
Is there financial assistance available for proficiency testing?
- Districts are encouraged to pay for or provide financial assistance to ensure no student is denied the credential due to financial burden. Assessments can be paid for using Title I funds, and students receiving free- and reduced-priced lunch can receive financial support using the same methods as other assessments (OSDE).
How do I submit qualifying students’ information?
- By the end of April each year, teachers can work with their school administrators to report students’ information and qualifying test scores on the Single Sign-On platform.
Who can I contact for more information?
- Please go to the OK State Department of Education page for the Oklahoma Seal of Biliteracy. You may also contact Dr. Cathleen Skinner, Director of World Languages at the OSDE (cathleen.skinner@sde.ok.gov), or Dr. William Davis, Seal of Biliteracy chair for OFLTA, for more information.
Original link: http://www.oflta.org/seal-of-biliteracy.html
