Seal of Biliteracy
This award recognizes students who demonstrate an advanced level of academic proficiency in two or more languages, one of which is English.
Why is the Seal of Biliteracy important?
A seal of biliteracy is important because knowing and using more than one language is a critical 21st-century skill.
A seal of biliteracy:
- Values language as an asset;
- Recognizes the value of language diversity and cultural identity;
- Prepares students with 21st-century skills that will benefit them in the labor market and the global society; and
- Provides employers, universities, and grant or scholarship providers with a method to recognize applicants for their dedication to attaining biliteracy.
To learn more about the imprtance of the Seal of Biliteracy, watch this brief video from the Iowa Department of Education.
How do students earn the Seal of Biliteracy?
Students will demonstrate English proficiency through any of the following assessments:
- A score of 18 or higher on the English portion of the ACT
- A score of 470 or higher on the English portion of the SAT
- A score of 3 or higher on the AP Language or AP Literature exam
- A score of a 4 or 5 in all domains in the ELPA21
- A score of Proficient or Advanced on his/her most recent ISASP
Students will demonstrate Spanish proficiency through the ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL), which will be administered in early February. The cost to take the AAPPL is $20, and the student is responsible for that cost. The Seal of Biliteracy will be indicated on the student’s transcript, and student will receive a medal of distinction to wear at graduation.
Juniors in Spanish IV are welcome to take the AAPPL, but by law cannot be awarded the Seal of Biliteracy until graduation. Additionally, dual-enrollment students cannot earn the Seal but can complete AAPPL to demonstrate their proficiency in Spanish.
2023 Graduates earning the Seal of Biliteracy:
Reagan Bartlett
Eleah Haan
Mylie Miller
Alex Sanchez
Carter Wolfe
2024 Graduates earning the Seal of Biliteracy:
Hillary Ward
Contact Us
Katie Claeys
Director of Teaching and Learning
515-597-2811 ext. 1011
Jill Sander
6-12 Spanish Teacher and PLC Lead
515-597-2971
For more information on the Seal of Biliteracy, visit the Iowa Department of Education website.