Seal of Biliteracy

The State Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by the State of California in partnership with county offices 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 State Seal of Biliteracy serves to verify a student’s linguistic proficiencies to potential employers and interested colleges.

The Seal of Biliteracy is Intended to Do

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 State 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)

Pictures of Seal recipients and superintendent at ceremony.

Contact Us

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

FIND KEY CONTACTS

Social

Who can apply?

Seniors enrolled in participating public high schools
- To be eligible, seniors must first meet the guidelines set by the California Department of Education.
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 webpage to see if your high school is registered to participate in the program.

What are the Seal requirements?

The initial list of state requirements can be found here.
The complete list of state and county requirements can be found on the Resources page here.
- Download the Application Checklist from the Links & Resources page here.
- Please contact your high school's administration office 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 webpage to find out if your high school is registered to participate.
Contact your high school site contact to start the process.
Follow your site contact's instructions to complete the prescreening process for:
- completion of state requirements,
- completion of the Application & Permission Slip, and
- writing proficiency in English and the target language(s) before progressing to the next phase.
Students who have successfully navigated the application process, will be invited to the Student Interview Event tentatively scheduled for March 16, 2024.
- The final interview format will be determined by public health guidance as the date approaches.
- Additional information about the Student Interview Event can be found on the FAQ webpage.

Permission to Participate

Deadlines & Major Events

Fall 2023
- Each district will pre-qualify students based on 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 start the application process.
December 12, 2023
- Deadline for sites to submit list of Low-Incident Language students
On-Demand Testing Window: January 16-18, 2024
January 24, 2024—Deadline for students and districts to submit:
- Spreadsheet of prequalified seniors by 3:30 PM
- Completed and signed two-page student permission slips 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.
The Student Interview Event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 16, 2024.
- The final format will be determined as the date approaches.
- Once your interview date and time are determined, it is critical you are available.
  - Seal deadlines 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 interview will last approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Interview results will be released to participating high schools first.
- You will receive an email detailing your results and whether or not you have earned the Seal after the high school is notified.
Seal Award Ceremony:
- The possibility of an award night will be determined 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.

Participating High Schools

Participating High Schools

Central Valley High School Contact: Kristen Casal (209) 556-1900 kcasal@ceres.k12.ca.us		Riverbank USD Contact: Mary Lomax (209) 869-1891 mlomax@riverbank.k12.ca.us

Ceres High School Contact: Veronica Vas Dinis (209) 556-1920 vvasdinis@ceres.k12.ca.us		Roselawn High School Contact: Rachel Moran (209) 634-9311 rmoran@turlock.k12.ca.us

Denair High School Contact: Anajanzy Montoya (209) 632-9911 amontoya@dusd.k12.ca.us		Sentinel High School Contact: Tonya Bibbins (209) 874-9017 tbibbins@waterford.k12.ca.us

eCademy High School Contact: Esmirna Imperial (209) 669-3410 eimprial@turlock.k12.ca.us		Turlock High School Contact: Mayra Arreola (209) 667-0791 marreola@turlock.k12.ca.us

Hughson High School(link is external) Contact: Guadalupe Castillo (209) 883-0469 gcastillo@hughsonschools.org		Valley College High School Contact: John Luis (209) 238-6800 jluis@stancoe.org

Orestimba High School Contact: Liliana Esquivez (209) 862-2916 lesquivez@nclusd.k12.ca.us		Waterford High School Contact: María Salgado (209) 874-9060 msalgado@waterford.k12.ca.us

Pitman High School Contact: Luis Jacinto (209) 226-6500 ljacinto@turlock.k12.ca.us		Whitmore Charter High School Contact: Marianne Goularte (209) 556-1610 mgoularte@ceres.k12.ca.us

Sign up to interview students!

The Role of the Assessor

The role of the assessor is to interview students, either in English or in one of the target languages, to determine their proficiency in that language. All assessors will be trained in person or virtually before being supplied a list of questions designed to elicit extended responses and a rubric. After engaging students in an approximately 12-15 minute conversation per language, assessors will score students' language proficiency using that rubric.

Assessors should have competency in English and/or one of the target languages. No other expertise is required!

Get the details

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
- Friday, March 1, 2024
- Monday, March 4, 2024
- Wednesday, March 6, 2024
- Thursday, March 7, 2024
View the Rubric
View the Virtual Interview Guidelines
Volunteer to Assess at the Student Interview Event

A word from past assessors

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 the state requirements can be found here.
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.

Assessment of Writing Proficiency in English and the Target Language

Assessment of Oral Proficiency

Students must demonstrate oral proficiency in English and the target language at the Student Interview Event on March 16, 2024.
- 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.
  - There are guidebook outlines the standards, the process, the rubric, the expectations, and contains a study guide for students.

The Student Interview Event

The final format and date will be determined by public health guidance 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 16^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 section.
  - The 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 who have applied for a Seal in more than one language will be here a little longer.
- There will be phones available for students 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 in the Links and Resources section.
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

To determine whether a student is eligible to apply, he/she should review the state requirements checklist and check the participating high school. Students must meet all state and county requirements before applying.

Student Resources

California State Seal Requirements
Seal: Application Checklist
Seal: Application and Permission Slip
- Both pages must be completed, signed and turned in by the assigned deadline
Complete Seal Application, Checklist, and Study Guide
On-Demand Test: Student Affidavit and OD Test Instructions
Interview Handbook and Study Guide, Live Interviews
Interview Handbook and Study Guide, Virtual Interviews
2023-2024 SAT & ACT Test Dates
- Do not schedule an SAT or ACT test on the same day as the Seal interviews.
- Interviews cannot be changed or rescheduled.

Educator Resources

California State Seal Requirements
Seal: Application Checklist
Seal: Application and Permission Slip
- Both pages must be completed, signed and turned in by the assigned deadline
Complete Seal Application, Checklist, and Study Guide
On-Demand Test Proctor Affidavit
On-Demand Test: Student Affidavit and OD Test Instructions
Interview Handbook and Study Guide, Virtual Interviews
2023-2024 SAT & ACT Test Dates
- Do not schedule an SAT or ACT test on the same day as the Seal interviews.
- Interviews cannot be changed or rescheduled.
Assessor Flyer
Volunteer to interview students!

Rubrics & Explanations

Deadlines & Major Events

Fall 2023
- Each district will pre-qualify students based on 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 start the application process.
December 12, 2023
- Deadline for sites to submit list of Low-Incident Language students
On-Demand Testing Window: January 16-18, 2024
January 24, 2024—Deadline for students and districts to submit:
- Spreadsheet of prequalified seniors by 3:30 PM
- Completed and signed two-page student permission slips 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.
The Student Interview Event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 16, 2024.
- The final format will be determined as the date approaches.
- Once your interview date and time are determined, it is critical you are available.
  - Seal deadlines 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 interview will last approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Interview results will be released to participating high schools first.
- You will receive an email detailing your results and whether or not you have earned the Seal after the high school is notified.
Seal Award Ceremony:
- The possibility of an award night will be determined 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.

Past Seal Programs

Past Seal Programs

Key Contacts

Brenda Insurriaga Nevarez

Titles: Project Coordinator, ELA/ELD

Email:

Phone Numbers:
Work: 209-238-1333

Elvira Ruiz

Titles: Support Specialist - Special Projects

Email:

Phone Numbers:
Work: 209-238-1301

Christine Sisco

Titles: Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Support Services

Email:

Phone Numbers:
School: 209-238-1331
Work: 209-238-1329

Logo Image

In This Section

Seal of Biliteracy

Contact Us

Social

Who can apply?

What are the Seal requirements?

The Application Process

Permission to Participate

Deadlines & Major Events

Participating High Schools

Sign up to interview students!

The Role of the Assessor

Get the details

A word from past assessors

The Application

Assessment of Writing Proficiency in English and the Target Language

Assessment of Oral Proficiency

The Student Interview Event

What scores do I need to earn the Seal?

The Award Ceremony

Student Resources

Educator Resources

Rubrics & Explanations

Deadlines & Major Events

Past Seal Programs

Key Contacts

Brenda Insurriaga Nevarez

Elvira Ruiz

Christine Sisco

Logo Image

Get In Touch

Links & Resources