1. OLD SAYBROOK HIGH SCHOOL 2019
SEAL OF BILITERACY
OLD SAYBROOK HIGH SCHOOL
2019

2. the seal of biliteracy BILITERACY: a functional level of proficiency
in each language; the level of proficiency is
not necessarily identical for both languages
The seal recognizes the value of learning a second language to the degree of high proficiency; it also promotes educational equity of English Language Learners
The seal recognizes the value of students’ academic efforts, the tangible benefits of being bilingual and biliterate, and prepares students to be 21st century global citizens in a multicultural, multilingual world
There are over 165 school districts currently granting the Seal; California was the first state to do so in 2011 and Connecticut implemented the Seal in 2017; Old Saybrook School District is implementing the Seal this year, 2019

3. ELIGIBILITY ALL MEANS ALL
All students are eligible regardless of language background or any identified condition (blindness, deaf or hearing impaired, cognitive and/or learning disabilities)
Students must demonstrate the state-determined level of proficiency in English as well as one or more additional languages (native language, heritage language, or a language learned in school)
ELIGIBILITY
ALL MEANS ALL

4. PATHWAYS TO PREPARATION
The State of CT supports students becoming proficient in more than one language; students may acquire proficiency in multiple languages through various pathways (see list at left)
Traditional K-12 world language programs
Traditional ESL programs
Bilingual education programs
Dual language/FLES programs
Time spent immersed in the target culture/language
Heritage language knowledge

5. ASSESSMENT OF MASTERY AAPPL: ACTFL Assessment of Performance
toward Proficiency in Languages
The Old Saybrook School District will use the AAPPL assessment to measure student proficiency
Students will be assessed several times throughout their world language education: during the 8th grade year and again, for the Seal, during the junior year (possibly senior year); testing may occur at younger ages in the future as well to provide the most amount of feedback for students, parents, and teachers
-Testing traditionally takes place in the Spring of the academic year

6. AAPPL MEASURE AAPPL: See my website for more information
and examples/practice
AAPPL MEASURE
The AAPPL Measure addresses the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages and uses today’s communication media in which test takers perform tasks such as participating in a virtual video chat (interpersonal listening and speaking), creating wikis (presentational writing), ing (presentational writing), and using apps to demonstrate language ability (interpretive reading)
Topics of personal, social, and academic relevance: TV and Movies, Community Events, Health, Careers, Customs./Traditions, News, Environment, Education, Technology, Pop culture...
Currently, the AAPPL Measure is available in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai, and ESL

7. RESULTS
The Seal of Biliteracy is received by earning a score of “intermediate-mid” on the proficiency scale for the chosen world language and by completing all English Language Arts graduation requirements (4 credits); English Language Learners need to successfully complete LAS Links
Test takers receive an AAPPL score
Report indicating separate scores for
each individual component of AAPPL
Measure that the student has taken
There is a description of each score
and recommendations for improvement!

8. AWARD
The Seal of Biliteracy will be awarded upon or before high school graduation
The Seal of Biliteracy is a statement of accomplishment for future employers and college admissions
Gold seal on the diploma
Cord for graduation
Students will be celebrated for this
accomplishment during Awards’ Night
Names are sent to the CT
Department of Education

9. WHY DO THIS? Encourages students to study languages
Highlights the importance of language and culture learning, which prepares students for a life beyond high school graduation
Certifies attainment of biliteracy skills
Recognizes the value of language diversity
Provides employers and colleges with a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills
Underlies the students’ 21st century skills benefiting students in the labor market and global society
Strengthens intergroup relationships and honors the multicultures and languages in our community
WHY DO THIS?

10. RESOURCES Seal of Biliteracy: National website
Seal of Biliteracy: ACTFL website
Testing information
AAPPL
Teacher website: Claffey