1. The Seal of Multilingual Proficiency
Merced County Office of Education contacts:
Kathy Pon
Francisco Romo
Paula Smith
(209)

2. 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.

3. 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.

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. Resources for the LinguaFolio
European Language Portfolio
LinguaFolio 5-State Pilot
LinguaFolio Nebraska
Indiana World Languages site with LinguaFolio links

13. 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

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. Role of Administrators & Counselors
Inform teachers of World Language about the Seal
Provide written documents
Direct teachers to the website:
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

18. 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

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

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