Stanislaus Seal of Biliteracy

A vibrant field of pink and purple flowers stretches out under a warm, golden sunset sky, creating a serene and picturesque landscape.

The Mission Statement

The Stanislaus County Office of Education will recognize students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other world language through the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy program.

What is the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy?

The Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy is a county-level, merit-based recognition awarded in partnership with the California Department of Education and local school districts. It recognizes and honors students who attain reading, writing, listening, and speaking proficiency in English and at least one other world language by high school graduation. The Seal is officially noted on the student’s high school transcript and serves as verification of their linguistic expertise to potential employers and colleges.

Contact Us

1100 H Street
Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 238-1301
eruiz@stancoe.org

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What do you need to earn the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy?

Students are responsible for proactively researching, understanding, and successfully completing all the program steps and proficiency requirements to earn the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy award.

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An Overview of the Program

Who can apply?

Students enrolled in participating high schools
- To be eligible, students must first meet the requirements as set on the "Student Checklist" in the Seal Forms & Resources section.
Can students who attend private school qualify for the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy?
- No. Private schools function outside the jurisdiction of the California Department of Education (CDE); therefore, they are not eligible to receive the Seal.
Check the Seal Forms & Resources section to find out if your high school is a participating high school.
- Students are responsible for proactively researching, understanding, and successfully completing all the program steps and proficiency requirements to earn the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy award.

What are the Seal requirements?

Download and the complete list of requirements found on the "Student Checklist" in the Seal Forms & Resources section.
- Students are responsible for proactively researching, understanding, and successfully completing all the program steps and proficiency requirements to earn the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy award.
- All participation details will be communicated directly to the student.
Please contact your high school's site contact for your specific guidelines and deadlines.
- All students must submit the completed two-page "Application & Permission Slip" found in the Seal Forms & Resources section by the set deadline.
Will the entire Seal process happen at the high school?
- No. Students will be prescreened by the high school, then complete the process with the county office.

The Application Process

Students should read through the full set of requirements--including the process and deadlines--to ensure they are fully prepared.
- Students must take initiative to research, understand, and successfully complete all program steps and proficiency requirements to earn the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy award.
- All participation details will be communicated directly to the student.
Check the "Participating High Schools" tab in the Seal Forms & Resources section to see if your high school is registered to participate.
Contact your high school's site contact in the fall to confirm your eligibility.
Follow your site contact's instructions to complete:
- the prescreening process;
- the two-page "Application & Permission Slip" and the required documentation; and
- the target language(s) writing proficiency examination(s).
Students who successfully navigate the application and writing proficiency process will be invited to interview at the Student Interview between March 14-20, 2026.
- The interviews will be conducted virtually.
- Additional information about the Student Interview Event can be found on the Question & Answers section.
- All participation details will be communicated directly to the student.

The Award Ceremony

Students who earn the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy will be invited to the Seal Award Night at the Fruit Yard Amphitheater on May 12, 2026.

The participation and ticket details are communicated directly to the student via email.
Framed Seal certificates and diploma seals will be provided by the county.
Districts are encouraged to recognize students who earn the Stanislaus County Seal within their own districts.

Seal Resources & Forms

Seal Forms & Resources

Sites, students and parents can find all the necessary documents to apply for the Stanislaus Seal of Biliteracy below.

2026-2027 Seal Requirements & Checklist - coming soon
2026-2027 Application and Permission Slip - coming soon
- Both pages must be completed, signed, and turned in by the set deadline.
- All required documentation and required information must be turned in with the application, by the set deadline.
2026-2027 Application Packet (Checklist, Application, Important Dates & Interview Study Guide) - coming soon
2026-2027 Interview Study Guide - coming soon
2026-2027 Seal and SAT Deadlines & Events - coming soon
- Do not schedule an SAT test on the same day as the Seal interviews.
- Interviews cannot be changed or rescheduled.

Rubrics & Explanations

Deadlines & Major Events

Start the Process: Fall 2025

On-Demand Testing: Dec 2-4, 2025

December 2-4, 2025

On-Demand Writing Proficiency Testing Window

Students who have not yet met the target language writing proficiency requirement must take the On-Demand (OD) writing test.

Students must earn a passing score on the On-Demand test to be eligible to apply for the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy.
The On-Demand test is a one-time opportunity. Test results are final, cannot be appealed, and the test cannot be retaken.

Application Deadline: Jan 21, 2026

Application Deadline: January 21, 2026

Student Deadline

The student completed and signed application must be submitted to the site contact by 10:00 AM.

All required student documentation (i.e., transcripts) and information must be submitted to the site contact by 10:00 AM.
All prerequisite requirements must be completed and submitted to the site contact by 10:00 AM.
There are NO deadline extensions.

District and Site Deadline

Student applications must be scanned and uploaded by 3:30 PM.
The spreadsheet of applicants--with ALL required information--must be completed by 3:30 PM.
The list assessors for the Student Interview Event must be completed by 3:30 PM.
There are NO deadline extensions.

Student Interviews: Mar. 14-20, 2026

Virtual Oral Proficiency Interview Window

March 14-20, 2026

Students who have successfully completed the prequalification and application process—but have not yet met the target language oral proficiency requirement—must participate in a virtual interview in both English and the target language(s) during the Student Interview Event, scheduled for March 14–20, 2026, in order to qualify for the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy.

Refer to the "Q & A Section" below for additional detail on proficiency, preparation, and results.

Award Ceremony: May 12, 2026

Participating High Schools

Central Valley High School Contact: Susana Kandeel (209) 556-1900 skandeel@ceres.k12.ca.us		Pitman High School Contact: Luis Jacinto (209) 226-6500 ljacinto@turlock.k12.ca.us

Ceres High School Contact: Veronica Vas Dinis (209) 556-1920 vvasdinis@ceres.k12.ca.us		Riverbank USD Contact: Maritza Casanova (209) 869-1891 mcasanova@riverbank.k12.ca.us

Denair High School Contact: Anajanzy Montoya (209) 632-9911 amontoya@dusd.k12.ca.us		Roselawn High School Contact: Rachel Moran (209) 634-9311 rmoran@turlock.k12.ca.us

eCademy High School Contact: Esmirna Imperial (209) 669-3410 eimperial@turlock.k12.ca.us		Sentinel High School Contact: Tonya Bibbins (209) 874-9017 tbibbins@waterford.k12.ca.us

Hart-Ransom Charter High School Contact: Teresa Perez (209) 380-0401 tperez@hart-ransomecharter.com		Turlock High School Contact: Nelson Machado (209) 667-0791 nmachado@turlock.k12.ca.us

Hughson High School Contact: Guadalupe Castillo (209) 883-0469 gcastillo@hughsonschools.org		Waterford High School Contact: María Salgado (209) 874-9060 msalgado@waterford.k12.ca.us

Orestimba High School Contact: Isaias Ibarra (209) 862-2916 iibarra@nclusd.k12.ca.us		Whitmore Charter High School Contact: Marianne Goularte (209) 556-1610 mgoularte@ceres.k12.ca.us

Frequently Asked Questions

The Application

Can I still earn the Stanislaus County 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 can be found on the student checklist.
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 Stanislaus County 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. Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy program guidelines mandate all students go through their district first.
Can I apply if I am not a senior?
- Anyone who has met the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy English and target language program requirements by the application deadline may apply.
  - Details can be found on the "Student Checklist & Requirements" form in the Seal Forms & Resources section.
How do I apply for the Seal at my high school?
- Download the "Application Packet" from the Seal Forms & Resources section and contact your participating high school. The site contact will have the information you need.
  - Keep in mind that it is the student's responsibility to research, understand, and successfully complete all steps and proficiency requirements to earn the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy award.
  - All participation details are communicated directly to the student.

Writing Proficiency Assessment: English and Target Language

Oral Proficiency Assessment

Students must demonstrate oral proficiency in English and the target language during the student Interview to earn the Seal.
- The assessment rubric and explanation can be found in the Seal Forms & Resources section.
Can I do something to prepare for the interview?
- Yes! Download the "Interview Study Guide" from the Seal Forms & Resources section.
  - The guidebook outlines the standards, process, rubric, expectations, and contains a study guide for students.

The Student Interviews: March 14-20, 2026

What do you need to know about the interviews?

Proficiency Requirements

Students must demonstrate oral proficiency in both English and the target language(s) during the interview to earn the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy.
The assessment rubric and proficiency explanation are available in the Seal Forms & Resources section.

Preparation

Students can prepare for the interview by downloading the “Interview Study Guide” from the Seal Forms & Resources section.
- The study guide outlines the standards, process, rubric, expectations, and includes a study tool for practice.
As with other tests, interview scores are final, cannot be appealed, and interviews cannot be redone.
- Preparation is essential to ensure you make the most of your one opportunity. The key is to practice and prepare for the interview.

Interview Details

Interviews are conducted virtually and last approximately 15–20 minutes per language.
Students will be interviewed by a team of trained assessors in both English and the target language(s).
Students required to interview will receive email instructions from their team on how to register for an interview time.
- This is a formal interview, dress accordingly.
- Interview days and times are limited. Once scheduled, interviews will not be changed, rescheduled, or made up—there are no exceptions
- Do not schedule anything else during the assigned interview time.
  - Missing your scheduled interview, leaving early, or opting out will result in self-disqualification from the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy.
  - Do not be late. You must start your interview at the assigned date and time. Failure to do so result in self-disqualification.
- Students cannot interview before their scheduled time. If you log in early, you will need to wait until your appointment begins.

Results

Results will be emailed to the student by the county approximately 1½ to 2 weeks after all interviews are complete, informing them whether or not they have earned the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy.

What must I do to earn the Seal?

There are multiple components to the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy.
- Students must meet all the posted deadlines.
- Students must demonstrate writing proficiency in English and the target language(s) as per state requirements.
- A copy of the rubrics in the Seal Forms & Resources section and in the "Interview Study Guide" .
- Students are responsible for proactively researching, understanding, and successfully completing all the program steps and proficiency requirements to earn the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy award.
Can I appeal my scores or decisions if I do not receive the Seal?
- No. As with other tests, scores are final, cannot be appealed, and assessments cannot be redone.
  - Preparation is essential to ensure you make the most of your opportunity. The key is to practice and prepare.
How or when will I know if I received the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy?
- Results will be emailed to the student by the county approximately 1½ to 2 weeks after all interviews are complete, informing them whether or not they have earned the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy.

The Award Ceremony

Students who earn the Seal of Biliteracy will be invited to the Seal Award Night at the Fruit Yard Amphitheater on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

The award night and ticket details will be emailed directly to student who earn the Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy.
- The number of tickets each student receives will be determined by the number of graduates at the end of the program.
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.

Past Year Seal Award Night Programs

Take a look at our archive of award night programs and Seal recipients from past years!

Key Contacts

Elvira Ruiz

Titles: Support Specialist - Special Projects

Email:

Phone Numbers:
Work: 209-238-1301

Brenda Insurriaga Nevarez

Titles: Project Coordinator, ELA/ELD

Email:

Phone Numbers:
Work: 209-238-1333

Lori Dougherty

Titles: Director I, K-12 Literacy

Email:

Phone Numbers:
Work: 209-238-1317