Maine Seal of Biliteracy

The Seal of Biliteracy is an award that recognizes student achievement in language learning. Students who are proficient in English and an additional language may earn the Seal of Biliteracy by demonstrating their skills on an approved assessment. Highlighting the value of multilingualism, this award becomes part of a student's transcripts and gives students an edge for their post-secondary studies and/or future careers.

 

 

 

Maine Seal of Biliteracy Dashboard

 

Awarding Process

Awarding the Maine Seal of Biliteracy is a powerful way to honor students' multilingualism and open doors to future academic and professional opportunities. This guidebook is designed to walk you through each step of the process, from learning the guidelines to celebrating student success.

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Eligibility Criteria

The foundation of a successful Seal of Biliteracy program begins with identifying students who are potential candidates. These students come from a variety of linguistic and educational backgrounds. It’s important to consider the full spectrum of language learners in your school or district. This inclusive approach ensures that all students who meet the eligibility criteria have access to this recognition, whether they’ve acquired another language at home, through formal education, or in community and cultural contexts.

For languages other than English, individual language domain (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) scores must be at intermediate mid proficiency or above. If a given test does not provide individual domain scores, the overall score must be at intermediate mid proficiency or above.

Students whose primary/home language is other than English may be eligible for an exemption from the reading and writing domains if they have not had sufficient educational opportunity to become literate in their language. Students who are deaf or hard of hearing may be eligible for an exemption from the listening domain. 

Once a student has met all eligibility requirements, it’s time to officially award the Maine Seal of Biliteracy. This final step is more than just a celebration; it’s a meaningful recognition of a student’s dedication, persistence, and proficiency in two or more languages. Beyond the pride of accomplishment, the Seal of Biliteracy serves as a powerful credential that can open doors to academic, career, and global opportunities. Be sure to notify the student and their family of this honor, and guide them in formally including the Seal on: College applications Scholarship submissions Resumes and cover letters Employment or internship applications Highlight to students that employers across the country are actively seeking bilingual and biliterate candidates, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, education, government, and customer service. Including the Seal on their applications not only demonstrates advanced language skills but also showcases critical competencies such as cultural awareness, communication, and adaptability. Please encourage students to take pride in this achievement and to articulate it confidently as a competitive advantage. With the Maine Seal of Biliteracy on their record, they are entering the next phase of their journey with a valuable distinction that sets them apart.