"The limits of my language are the limits of my world." ‒ Ludwig Wittgenstein Be . . . #2bilit2quit
the Seal of biliteracy
#2bilit2quit For the United States to become globally competitive, we must begin to support a K-16 vision for language learners. Students benefit from quality dual-language and immersion programs as well as from a curriculum and assessment focused on proficiency outcomes. The Seal of Biliteracy is the reward for achieving those higher levels of language fluency needed in diverse academic and workplace environments.
The state Seal of Biliteracy movement sweeping the country began in California, and my state of Illinois became the 3rd state to adopt the incentive that, in Illinois, also equates to public university college credit. 33 states and D.C. (see map to the right is linked to www.sealofbiliteracy.org.) now have a state Seal, Endorsement or Certificate to recognize a high level of skill in English and another language for students graduating from participating pubic schools. Find your State's Information. Unfortunately, that still leaves millions of students without a chance to be certified and celebrated for their language skills. State programs cannot serve those learning languages in charter o university lab schools, private or independent schools, Catholic or parochial schools, international or American schools on military bases, cultural Saturday language schools or those being home-schooled. To close this opportunity gap, expand the number of individuals with bilingual credentials and elevate the visibility of language learning in general, I have taken a Leave of Absence from my Spanish classroom to spearhead the Global Seal of Biliteracy. This award is a language credential open to anyone, at any age, anywhere at two proficiency levels. I hope to create a paradigm shift in which language credentialing is seen as an academic and career norm. As Executive Director of the Global Seal of Biliteracy, I am able to continue to support the state Seal programs which revolutionized my public school classroom and advocate for those disenfranchised but still deserving of recognition. Additionally, I now have time to articulate to Higher Ed and to Career spaces the benefits and advantages offered by these bilingual candidates. Global Seal's website includes support research and links to known State Seal resources. 
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With Kristin J. Davin at ACTFL 2017, presenting on our Seal of Biliteracy research published in FL Annals.
Click to Play We Teach Languages Podcast #63
Panelist at the Illinois State Board of Education Symposium on the Seal of Biliteracy 2016
Is your state Blue? www.sealofbiliteracy.org
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Education Weekly Blog Post - November 21, 2014 "How the State Seal of Biliteracy is a Game Changer" by Linda L Egnatz National Public Radio: "On the High School Diploma: A 'Bilingual Stamp' of Approval" April 21, 2015. See ACTFL's Advocacy page at http://www.actfl.org/advocacy Together with TESOL, NCSSFL and NABE, ACTFL has worked collaboratively to provide National Guidelines for the State Seal of Biliteracy. These guidelines will assist states that adopt this powerful recognition program to recognize language learners.
IDEAS THAT INNOVATE - WE Global Network. State and Local policy links to the "Seal of Biliteracy." Available as a PDF file.
I presented with Michelle Aoki (WA) at the Hawaii Language Roadmap Seal of Biliteracy Symposium 2016.
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ILLINOIS Districts and Language Educators: In order to participate in the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy program, districts must apply to ISBE. You'll find all of the guidelines and application procedures on the ISBE website. http://www.isbe.net/seal-of-biliteracy/default.htm
Chicago Public Schools have adopted and are implementing the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy. Their program includes the establishment of benchmarks and a student application process. Learn more at CPS website Seal of Biliteracy page
4,444 Illinois 2017 High School Graduates from 70 districts in 34 languages received the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy!
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State Seals
