The Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy

Pictures of Seal recipients and superintendent at ceremony.

The Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by the Stanislaus County Office of Education in partnership with the State of California and local school districts. It recognizes and honors student attainment of proficiency in English and at least one other world language by high school graduation. Appearing on the transcript of the graduating senior, the Stanislaus Seal of Biliteracy serves to verify a student’s linguistic proficiencies to potential employers and interested colleges.

The Seal of Biliteracy is Intended to:

Recognize students who have acquired proficiency in English and additional language(s)
Emphasize the value of knowing many languages
Contribute to global understanding
Encourage the learning of all languages

What are the benefits of the Seal of Biliteracy?

Assurance of a marketable skill
Connection of community efforts to teach language(s) and culture(s)
Transcript notation
Recognition of the award at graduation ceremonies (based on district policy)

Contact Us

1100 H Street
Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 238-1301
(209) 238-4236 Fax
eruiz@stancoe.org

FIND KEY CONTACTS

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Who can apply?

Students enrolled in participating high schools
- To be eligible, students must first meet the requirements as set on the Student Checklist.
Can students who attend private school qualify for the 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 Participating High Schools section to see if your high school is registered to participate in the program.

What are the Seal requirements?

The complete list of requirements can be found on the Student Checklist in the Links & Resources section.
- Download the Student Checklist from the Links & Resources section.
Please contact your high school's site contact for your specific guidelines and deadlines.
- Students must turn in the completed two-page Application & Permission Slip.
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

Read through the complete set of requirements, the process, and deadlines to make sure you are prepared.
Check the Participating High Schools section to find out if your high school is registered to participate.
Contact your high school site contact to determine eligibility.
Follow your site contact's instructions to complete:
- the prescreening process,
- the two-page Application & Permission Slip and required documentation, and
- the target language writing proficiency examination before progressing to the next phase.
Students who have successfully navigated the application process, will be invited to interview during the Student Interview Window scheduled between March 14 – 23, 2025
- The interviews will be conducted virtually via Zoom.
- Additional information about the Student Interview Event can be found on the Question and Answers section.

Deadlines & Major Events

Fall 2024
- Students must contact their participating high school at the beginning of the school year to start the application process.
- Each district will pre-qualify students based on set requirements.
- Each district will identify and assess eligible seniors.
December 18, 2024
- Deadline for sites to submit list of Low-Incident Language students
On-Demand Testing Window: January 13-15, 2025
January 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM – Deadline for districts to submit On-demands tests and Rubrics
January 22, 2025—Deadline for students and districts to submit:
- Spreadsheet of prequalified applicants by 3:30 PM
- Completed and signed application and permission slips by 10:00 AM
- Any required student documentation (i.e., transcripts)
- There are no deadline extensions.
- 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.
The Student Interview Window: March 15 - March 24, 2025
- The interviews will be conducted virtually via Zoom.
- Once your interview date and time are determined, it is critical you are available.
  - Seal deadlines and appointments are no different from those of a college application, thus make up dates are not available.
  - Do not schedule other events or tests on the same day as the Seal interviews.
  - Interviews cannot be changed or rescheduled.
- You will be interviewed by a team of trained assessors in both English and the target language(s).
  - Each language interview will last approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Interview results will be released to participating high schools first.
- You will receive an email detailing the results to inform you whether or not you have earned the Seal after the high school is notified.

Seal Award Ceremony:

The exact date of the award ceremony will be posted as soon as it is available. Award night is always held on a Tues toward the beginning of May.
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 Award Ceremony

Students who earn the Seal of Biliteracy will be invited to the Seal Award Night at the Fruit Yard Amphitheater in early May.
- The exact date of the award ceremony will be posted as soon as it is available. Award night is always held on a Tuesday toward in early May.
- 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.

Students must meet all requirements before applying. Eligibility can be determined by reviewing the requirements checklist.

Student Resources

Seal: Application Checklist
Seal: Application and Permission Slip
- Both pages must be completed, signed, and turned in by the assigned deadline
- All required documentation must be turned in with the application, by the assigned deadline
Complete Seal Application, Checklist, and Study Guide
Interview Handbook and Study Guide, Virtual Interviews
2024-2025 Seal Deadlines and SAT &Test Dates
- Do not schedule an SAT test on the same day as the Seal interviews.
- Interviews cannot be changed or rescheduled.

Educator Resources

Seal Requirements & Checklist
Seal: Application and Permission Slip
- Both pages must be completed, signed, and turned in by the assigned deadline
- All required documentation must be turned in with the application, by the assigned deadline
Complete Seal Application, Checklist, and Study Guide
On-Demand Test Proctor Affidavit - coming soon
Interview Handbook and Study Guide, Virtual Interviews
2024-2025 Seal Deadlines and SAT &Test Dates
- Do not schedule an SAT test on the same day as the Seal interviews.
- Interviews cannot be changed or rescheduled.
Assessor Flyer
Volunteer to interview students!

Rubrics & Explanations

Sign up to interview students!

Help us interview students in English and world languages, to determine their proficiency in that language. Volunteer assessors should be proficient in English and the target language. All assessors are trained before being supplied a list of questions designed to elicit extended responses and a rubric. After engaging students in an approximately 15-20 minutes conversation per language, assessors score students' language proficiency using that rubric.

No other expertise is required!

Get the Details & A Word From Previous Assessors

Get the Details & A Word From Previous Assessors

View the Assessor Training Flyer
- All assessors must complete one of four trainings before scoring
Please pick and register for ONE of the virtual trainings
View the Oral Proficiency Rubric - coming soon
View the Virtual Interview Guidelines
Volunteer to Assess at the Student Interview Event

The Application

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 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 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 first.
Can I apply if I am not a senior?
- Anyone who has met the state English and target language requirements may apply.
How do I apply for the Seal at my high school?
- Download the Application Packet and contact your participating high school. The administration office will have the information you need.

Writing Proficiency Assessment: English & 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 Links & Resources section.
Can I do something to prepare for the interview?
- Yes! Download the Interview Guidelines from the Links & Resources section.
  - The guidebook outlines the standards, process, rubric, expectations, and contains a study guide for students.

The Student Interviews: March 14-23, 2025

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. Interview days and times are limited. Opting out of, missing (no-showing), or leaving early 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 on the assigned date and time. Failure to make the appointed date and time will result in self-disqualification for the student.
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 language interview will last approximately 15-20 minutes.
Can I do something to prepare for the interview?
- Yes! Download the Interview Guidelines from the Links and Resources section.
  - The guidebook outlines the standards, process, rubric, expectations, and contains a study guide for students.
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. The key is to practice and prepare for the interview.
  - You can find a copy of the scoring rubric in the Links & Resources section.
Can I have my phone with me?
- Yes, but cell phones must be turned off during the interview.

What must I do to earn the Seal?

There are multiple components to the State Seal of Biliteracy.
- You must meet all the posted.
- You must demonstrate writing proficiency in English and the target language(s) as per state requirements.
- You can find a copy of the rubrics in the Links and Resources section and in the Interview Guidelines handbook.
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. The key is to practice and prepare for the interview.
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

Students who earn the Seal of Biliteracy will be invited to the Seal Award Night at the Fruit Yard Amphitheater in early May.

The exact date of the award ceremony will be posted as soon as it is available. Award night is always held on a Tuesday toward in early May.
- 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 Pictures
Past Seal Programs

Past Year Pictures

Past Seal Programs

Participating Schools

Participating Schools

Central Valley High School Contact: Jose Perez (209) 556-1900 jperez4@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: Dulce Flores (209) 869-1891 dflores@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: Tim Norton (209) 669-3410 tnorton@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: Mayra Arreola (209) 667-0791 marreola@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: Renee Bergendahl (209) 862-2916 rbergendahl@nclusd.k12.ca.us		Whitmore Charter High School Contact: Marianne Goularte (209) 556-1610 mgoularte@ceres.k12.ca.us

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

Christine Sisco

Titles: Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Support Services

Email:

Phone Numbers:
Work: 209-238-1329

Logo Image

In This Section

Contact Us

Social

Who can apply?

What are the Seal requirements?

The Application Process

Deadlines & Major Events

The Award Ceremony

Student Resources

Educator Resources

Rubrics & Explanations

Sign up to interview students!

Get the Details & A Word From Previous Assessors

The Application

Writing Proficiency Assessment: English & Target Language

Oral Proficiency Assessment

The Student Interviews: March 14-23, 2025

What must I do to earn the Seal?

The Award Ceremony

Past Year Pictures

Past Seal Programs

Participating Schools

Key Contacts

Elvira Ruiz

Brenda Insurriaga Nevarez

Lori Dougherty

Christine Sisco

Logo Image

Get In Touch

Links & Resources