The Seal of Multilingual Proficiency Merced County Office of Education contacts: Kathy Pon Francisco Romo Paula Smith (209) 381-6649 fromo@mcoe.org

The Purpose for the Award: Merced County Office of Education, in partnership with participating districts, will present a Multilingual Seal for placement on a diploma to each high school student who demonstrates proficiency in English and another world or “target” language.

The Rationale for the Award Participating educators are committed to creating affirming and enriched learning environments that actively impart the value of diversity, that bring students together across differences, and that embrace the cultures and languages of our communities.

Rationale continued: Students who are literate in multiple languages should be recognized as having a well-rounded education and as having marketable skills.

Eligibility to Apply To be eligible to apply for the MCOE Seal of Multilingual Proficiency, students must: Have passed both sections of the CAHSEE Have scored Proficient or Advanced on their ELA CSTs at least once during high school Have gained Proficiency in a language other than English Attend a participating high school

Defining the proficiency level Recipients of this award are required to: Express themselves with clarity and efficacy orally and in writing Submit a portfolio or “LinguaFolio” that demonstrates the ability to prepare short, polished pieces in English Provide an on-demand writing sample in the “target” language Respond orally in both English and the “target” language in an interview

The Process for a Student Consider eligibility requirements for applying and earning the Seal Use Self-Assessment Checklists to determine if at Advanced Low Conference with World language teacher and/or community member proficient in the “target language” about level of proficiency Submit Intent to Apply by Jan. 20, 2012 Submit a LinguaFolio by Feb. 3, 2012 Participate in an interview and provide an on-demand writing sample: March 10, 2012

Intent to Apply Serves a critical organizational role Triggers the search for the assessors to match the “target” language needs of students who intend to apply Should follow a check for eligibility – not precede it!! Due Jan. 20, 4 PM at MCOE

The LinguaFolio LinguaFolio Coversheet Student Application Parent permission to release data School Verification (of test scores) Submitted in a sealed envelope Language Biography Due Jan. 20, 4 PM at MCOE

Language Biography Organized around 5 questions/prompts Completed by the student in English Designed to capture information about: Interest and proficiency in “target” language Authentic connections and real-life use of “target” language Language comparisons Multicultural experiences

Idea of the LinguaFolio Use of the European Language Portfolio is supported by the 29 organizations of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) representing 24 languages.

Resources for the LinguaFolio European Language Portfolio http://culture2.coe.int/portfolio/ LinguaFolio 5-State Pilot http://www.doe.virginia.gov/linguafolio/ LinguaFolio Nebraska http://www.nde.state.ne.us/FORLG/PreK16.htm Indiana World Languages site with LinguaFolio links http://www.doe.state.in.us/opd/wrldlangs/

Multilingual Seal “Event” Interview in English Interview in “target” language On-demand writing sample in the “target” language This year’s “event” is scheduled for Saturday, March. 10th

Assessment of Proficiency English proficiency determined by: Interview Quality of LinguaFolio “Target” language proficiency determined by: Quality of on-demand writing sample

Assessment of Students The assessment of a student will be conducted by a two-person team. The two-person team will: Review the LinguaFolio Conduct the interviews Assess the on-demand writing sample Determine if the Seal will be conferred

Role of the World Language Teacher Inform students about the opportunity to earn the Seal of Multilingual Proficiency Assist students in determining whether their level of proficiency is currently sufficient to apply Use the Language Assessment Guidelines (Advanced Low is the appropriate level for application) Use the SOLOM Teacher Observation (with two 4’s and three 5’s as a minimum for application) Serve as an assessor Help to inform parents about the Seal

Role of Administrators & Counselors Inform teachers of World Language about the Seal Provide written documents Direct teachers to the website: http://www.mcoe.org/instruct/seal/ Inform teachers about the Information Meetings Inform students and parents about the Seal Keep the level of proficiency in mind Recruit assessors Celebrate the students who have earned the Seal

District partnership Partnering Districts will: Ensure that teachers, administrators, counselors, students, etc. are informed Provide one assessor for every two students submitting Provide for transcript notation Celebrate students who earn the Seal Return a signed MOU to MCOE

Getting the word out: MCOE will inform: District superintendents Curriculum and Project Directors English Learner Leadership Network members Maintain a website: http://www.mcoe.org/instruct/seal/ District staffs may participate in Information Meetings MCOE will provide PowerPoint® presentations and access to resources via website

Next steps Thanks for coming! Any clarifying questions? Any observations or comments? Any next steps for you? Thanks for coming!