Seal of Biliteracy

Are You a  9-12 Grader Who Can Speak Another Language in Addition to English?
Apply for the Moore Public Schools Seal of Biliteracy Award by October 31st!

Biliteracy refers to a person’s ability to read, write and effectively collaborate with others in more than one language. However, in the fullest sense of the term, biliteracy extends beyond the acquisition of two separate languages and refers to the ability to use the knowledge of one language to support the other.

WHAT IS THE SEAL OF BILITERACY?

The Oklahoma Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by the Oklahoma State Department of Education in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in English as well as an additional language upon high school graduation. It represents the state’s commitment to value the whole student and foster pride in the cultural and linguistic heritage of our students. 

The Oklahoma Seal of Biliteracy encourages students to study languages, certifies attainment of biliteracy skills, recognizes the value of language diversity, and prepares students with 21st-century skills that will benefit them in the labor market and the global society.

Visit the Oklahoma State Department of Education Seal of Biliteracy page for more information.

HOW IS THE SEAL OF BILITERACY VALUABLE?

The Seal of Biliteracy can be used as a credential to help differentiate students when they apply for jobs, college, or the military. The Oklahoma version of the credential recognizes students who have achieved this crucial 21st-century career and workplace skill distinction, promotes the learning of languages, and celebrates the linguistic and cultural diversity that strengthens our state. Biliterate students are less likely to drop out of high school, are more likely to go to college, have fewer behavior problems at school and obtain higher-paying jobs than their peers (Gándara and Escamilla, 2017).

There are several beneficiaries of the Oklahoma Seal of Biliteracy:

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF BILITERACY SEALS AVAILABLE?

• MPS Seal of Biliteracy
• Oklahoma State Seal of Biliteracy 
• Global Seal of Biliteracy

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE SEAL OF BILITERACY?

                             AND     

Complete the Oklahoma Seal of Biliteracy application on this page, first.

Demonstrate English proficiency on ONE of these assessments: ACT, AP English Language or English Literature, ACCESS, SAT & PSAT. 

AND

Demonstrate Language Proficiency in another language on an assessment offered by MPS. The assessment measures four areas of proficiency: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. You must score an "Intermediate-mid" level or higher on all four sections. 

You’ll be contacted in the spring to schedule your language proficiency test at school, once you apply and meet the English proficiency requirement.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY LANGUAGE SKILLS ARE CLOSE TO THE INTERMEDIATE-MID LEVEL?

• Click here for explanations of what the "Intermediate-mid" level is for speaking, writing, listening, and reading comprehension.
• Click here to see descriptions of levels with strategies on how to advance to the next level. (Levels I-3 and higher qualify for the Seal.)
• Click here for example videos and comparisons of Intermediate-low vs. Intermediate-mid speaking levels in Spanish.
• Click here for a description of Advanced-low, the level that qualifies you for the Platinum Seal of Biliteracy.

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE LISTENING AND SPEAKING SECTIONS?

If you didn't grow up speaking the language and you're nervous about the speaking portion of the test, here is a great way to prepare! Use this activity with a partner to practice speaking and to keep track of what your level is.

Use the strategies on this rubric to keep improving your skills, score level I-3 through A-1, in the target languages.

• Interpersonal Listening & Speaking Rubric (ACTFL)

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE WRITING SECTION?

Study lists of academic words and phrases or simple transition words that are commonly used in essays (in the language that you will be testing in), and practice using them in your writing. 

Use the strategies on this rubric to keep improving your skills, score level I-3 through A-1 in the target languages.

• Presentational Writing Rubric (ACTFL)

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE READING SECTION?

Use the strategies on this rubric to keep improving your reading comprehension skills.

• Interpretive Reading Rubric (ACTFL)

Did You Know?  Oklahoma is the 40th state, along with the District of Columbia, to establish a Seal of Biliteracy.

CONTACT FOR SEAL OF BILITERACY