Seal: Frequently Asked Questions

Please take a minute to review the information in the sections below. You will find answers to most questions by clicking on the individual sections.

What are the deadlines and other major events?

Fall 2022
- Each district will pre-qualify students based on the state and county requirements.
- Each district will identify and assess eligible seniors.
- Students should contact their participating high school at the beginning of the school year to ensure deadlines are not missed.
  - The Seal process will start at participating high school for all students.
December 7, 2022
- Deadline for sites to submit the list of low-incident language students.
On-Demand Testing Window: January 17-19, 2023
January 25, 2023—Deadline for students and districts to submit:
- Spreadsheet of prequalified seniors by 3:30 PM
- Completed and signed two-page Application & Permission Slip by 10:00 AM
- Spreadsheet of assessors for the Student Interview Event by 3:30 PM
  - There are no deadline extensions.
  - To be considered for the Seal, you must have all the required components by the set deadlines.
Student Interview Event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 11, 2023
- The final format will be determined by public health guidance as the date approaches.
- Prequalified seniors will receive an invitation for the interviews.
Seal Award Ceremony:
- The possibility of an award night will be determined by public health guidance as the date approaches.
- Framed Seal certificates and diploma seals will be provided by the county.
- Districts are encouraged to recognize students who earn the State Seal within their own districts.

The Application

Why is my school not on the list of participating high schools?
- If your high school is not listed, it is because the district has chosen not to participate. Please speak to your school or district administration.
Can I apply for the Seal of Biliteracy on my own if my district or high school decides not to participate?
- No. Districts must sign a contract pledging to support students throughout the program before any students may apply.
Can I apply for the Seal if I was not assessed by my district?
- No. State guidelines mandate all students go through their district.
Can I apply if I am not a senior?
- No. The state guidelines require students first pass the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) test administered during the junior year.
How do I apply for the Seal at my high school?
- Contact your participating high school. The administration office will have the information you need.

Target Language(s) Not Taught in the Classroom

Can I still earn the State Seal of Biliteracy in a language if it is not taught in the classroom?
- Yes! Students who wish to apply for a language, not represented in their school's language course offerings, should speak with their school administration about the process.
- Details for the state requirements can be found here.

Assessment of Writing Proficiency in English and the Target Language

Students must meet all state and district writing proficiency requirements.

Assessment of Oral Proficiency

Students must demonstrate oral proficiency in English and the target language at the Student Interview Event on March 11, 2023.
- The assessment rubric and explanation can be found on the Links & Resources webpage.
Can I do something to prepare for the interview?
- Yes! Download the Interview Guidelines from the Links & Resources page.
  - There are guidebook outlines the standards, the process, the rubric, the expectations, and contains a study guide for students.

The Student Interview Event

How will is the county going to hold the Student Interview Event with physical distancing requirements?
- The final format and date will be determined by public health guidance as the date approaches.
Will the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy be canceled if the Student Interview Event is canceled?
- No. The final date and format of the interviews will be determined as the date approaches.
How do I find out the date and time of my interview?
- Each prequalified student will receive an email with a date, time, and instructions.
Can I change the date or the time of the interview?
- No. The interview day and time are carefully chosen. Once your interview date and time are determined, it is critical you are available.
  - Students must make sure there are no other tests or events scheduled on this day.
  - Failure to make the appointed date and time will result in self-disqualification for the student.
I can't be there on March 11^th. Can I make up the interview?
- No. Seal deadlines are no different than those of a college application, thus make up dates are not available.
  - Students must make sure there are no other tests or events scheduled on this day.
  - Failure to make the appointed date and time will result in self-disqualification for the student.
- All students must meet the same deadlines.
Where are the interviews held?
- The Student Interview Event is held at the Stanislaus County Office of Education.
- However, the final format and location of the interviews will be determined by public health guidance as the date approaches.
How should I dress for the interviews?
- This is a formal interview, so you should dress as you would for a job interview.
Can I come in early or leave early? I have another appointment or engagement.
- No. The interview times are carefully chosen to ensure all students can be interviewed. Opting out of, missing, or leaving early without completing all the tasks will result in self-disqualification.
  - Students that arrive early will have to wait for their assigned appointment time.
What happens if I am late?
- You must start your interview at the assigned date and time. Like any other test, once the starts, it is too late to join the group.
Can my parents wait in the building? Where can my parents wait?
- Parents may wait in their cars, in the parking lot behind the building. For security reasons, only students are allowed in the buildings.
What should I expect during the interviews?
- You will be interviewed by a team of trained assessors in both English and the target language(s).
  - Each interview will last approximately 15-20 minutes.
- The final format, however, will be determined by public health guidance as the date approaches.
Can I do something to prepare for the interview?
- Yes! Download the Interview Guidelines from the Links & Resources page.
  - There are guidebook outlines the standards, the process, the rubric, the expectations, and contains a study guide for students.
How long will I be here?
- Most students are there 2-3 hours. It all depends on the number of assessors and volunteers districts provide.
  - Students that have applied for a Seal in more than one language will be here a little longer.
- There will be phones available for students that need to make a call for a ride home.
- The final format will be determined by public health guidance as the date approaches.
Can I appeal my score or re-do the interview?
- No. All scores are final.
- As with all tests, interviews will only be conducted once. Preparation is essential to ensure you make the most of your one opportunity.
- You can find a copy of the scoring rubric here.
Can I have my phone or purse with me?
- Students can have a phone. However, it must be turned off and put away while here. This is a testing day in testing facilities. Students will be disqualified for using a phone while here.
- Purses are allowed, but must be closed during the test period.
Where can I find food?
- There is a small vending machines on the first floor of the main building with some soft drinks and chips.
- Lunch is not provided, so students should have a hearty breakfast or lunch before coming and bring a snack or small lunch if they feel they will need it.

What scores do I need to earn the Seal?

There are multiple components to the State Seal of Biliteracy.
- You must meet all state requirements.
- You must demonstrate writing proficiency in English and the target language(s) when tested by your high school.
- You can find a copy of the scoring rubrics here.
Can I appeal my score or the decision if I do not receive the Seal?
- No. All scores are final.
  - Tests and interviews will only be conducted once. Preparation is essential to ensure you make the most of your one opportunity.
How or when will I know if I received the State Seal of Biliteracy?
- Interview results will be released as quickly as possible to participating high schools first.
- You will receive an email with results after the high school is notified.

The Award Ceremony

The possibility of an award night at the Gallo Center will be determined by public health guidance as the date approaches.
- However, framed Seal certificates and diploma seals will be issued to students who earn the State Seal of Biliteracy.
- Districts are encouraged to recognize students who earn the Seal within their own districts.