SCOE's Seal of Biliteracy

• 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.

• Students must meet all Stanislaus County Seal of Biliteracy writing proficiency requirements before the application deadline.
  • Download the "Application Packet" or the "Seal Requirements & Checklist" from the Seal Forms & Resources section for a complete list of requirements.

• 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.

What do you need to know about the interviews?

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.

• 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.

• 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 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.