All graduating bilingual students in Nevada have the helpful opportunity this year to receive the Nevada Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal of Biliteracy is an award from the school, district, or state for students who are proficient in another language other than English, including a native language, heritage language, or a language learned in school or somewhere else. Biliteracy can be defined as “the ability to effectively understand, speak, read, and write in two languages.” 2024-2025 applications for the Seal of Biliteracy opened October 15 and will close Friday, December 6, 2024.
The first requirement of the Seal of Biliteracy is completion of all English Language Arts courses necessary for graduation. This means four years worth of English classes must be completed with a grade point average of at least 2.0. Another requirement for eligibility of this seal is an overall grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
The third and final requirement is demonstrating the ability of communicating in a second language. Proof of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in a language other than English can be verified by one of two ways. The first way is to score a three or higher on a World Language AP exam. This can also be substituted with a score of at least four on the International Baccalaureate examination in a World Language. The second way to prove proficiency is scoring intermediate-mid or higher in every communication skill available on a CCSD approved efficiency exam.
According to the official Seal of Biliteracy website, “The Seal of Biliteracy encourages students to pursue biliteracy, honors the skills our students attain, and can be evidence of skills that are attractive to future employers and college admissions offices.”
Students with this seal will receive it on their diploma alongside a certificate of recognition and a transcript notation that their future employers might see.
“Another important objective is to connect bilingual students with potential employers. Being biliterate can often translate into tangible employment benefits,” the official Seal of Biliteracy website describes. “Many employers take language abilities into consideration when hiring and may offer a stipend or ‘differential pay’ for employees who speak more than one language. After receiving the Seal of Biliteracy, we invite recipients to register through our site so that we can verify their award with potential employers.”
Employers might consider that hiring a bilingual employee would help extend their business further by communication to consumers who cannot speak English.
ELA learning strategist, Ms. Jordan comments, “This is an opportunity for you to showcase your bilingual skills, and bilinguals are in high demand, so everybody wants you.”
Students can apply for the Nevada Seal of Biliteracy here.
