Seal of Biliteracy

The Seal of Biliteracy: Your path to success!

In our multicultural and multilingual communities at home and around the world, as well as in today’s competitive job market, the ability to speak, listen, read and write in more than one language can set you apart from the crowd. The Seal of Biliteracy was developed to honor students who have attained high level skills and proficiency in both English and another language. The Seal of Biliteracy is a credential given by the Thompson School District in recognition of students who have attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. The seal appears on the transcript of the graduating senior and is a statement of accomplishment for both colleges and future employers.

Why go for the Seal of Biliteracy

Employers and colleges are looking for bilingual applicants.

Honors the many cultures and languages in our community.

Looks great on applications for grants and scholarships.

Prepares you for 21st century careers.

You will earn more money throughout your career than people who speak only one language.

There are two Seals of Biliteracy

There are two Seals of Biliteracy: The Colorado Seal of Biliteracy and the TSD Seal of Biliteracy. The Colorado Seal of Biliteracy follows the requirements set of the Colorado Legislature. If you do not achieve the Colorado Seal of Biliteracy, you might qualify for the Thompson Seal of Biliteracy, which has different requirements. After reviewing your qualifications and your scores on the AAPPL Assessment or the AP World Language or IB Language B assessments, teachers will decide which Seal of Biliteracy you may qualify for.

For more information see FAQ below or speak with your World Language teacher or your counselor.

The Seal of Biliteracy- Your future is brighter than ever….

The Seal of Biliteracy is a credential on a diploma at graduation from high school for those who demonstrate academic proficiency in English and at least one other language.

The purpose of the Seal of Biliteracy is to:

Acknowledge and certify attainment of biliteracy skills;

Prepare students with 21st century skills that will benefit them in the labor market and the global society

Provide employers with a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills

Provide universities, grants and scholarships with a method to recognize and give credit to applicants for their dedication to attainment of high level skills in 2 or more languages

El Sello de Lectoescritura Bilingüe-Tu futuro es más brillante que nunca..

El Sello de Lectoescritura Bilingüe es una credencial galardonada a los alumnos al graduarse de la preparatoria demuestran el dominio académico de inglés y por lo menos un idioma más.

El propósito del Sello de Lectoescritura Bilingüe es el de:

Reconocer y certificar el logro de habilidades de lectoescritura bilingüe

Preparar a los estudiantes con habilidades del siglo XXI que les serán de ayuda en el mercado laboral y sociedad global

Proveer a los empleadores una manera de identificar personas con habilidades bilingües, incluyendo las habilidades para leer y escribir en dos idiomas

Proveer a las universidades, subsidios y becas a manera de reconocer candidatos dedicados a lograr habilidades académicas avanzadas en dos idiomas o más

Seal of Biliteracy FAQ

Why does Thompson School District have a Seal of Biliteracy?

To encourage students to study languages
To certify attainment of biliteracy skills
To recognize the value of language diversity
To provide employers with a method of identifying people with high level literacy skills in multiple languages
To provide universities with a method to recognize and give credit to applicants for attainment of high level skills in multiple languages
To prepare students with 21st century skills that will benefit them in the labor market and the global society
To strengthen intergroup relationships and honor the multiple cultures and languages in a community.

Who can earn the Seal?

The seal is for all TSD students who demonstrate mastery in multiple languages using the approved criteria, not just English learners or Spanish speakers.

As one of the requirements to earn the Seal is to complete all graduation requirements, students will not be awarded the Seal until their senior year, but students may complete the other requirements, such as the SAT, AAPPL or AP assessments in their junior or senior years.

Is there a fee to apply for the Seal?

There are no charges or fees to apply for the Seal. All TSD students are eligible to apply.

I speak a language that is not taught at my school. Can I earn the Seal?

Yes. As long as you can demonstrate proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in both English and another world language, you can earn the Seal.

If a standardized test (such as AP or AAPPL) that is on the approved Seal criteria is not available for your non-English language, you have the option of completing speaking and writing assessments which will be assessed by a trained fluent speaker.

I won't get my AP test results back until after graduation. Can I earn the Seal?

Yes. You’ll need your world language teacher to sign a form affirming that you are demonstrating literacy in the intermediate-advanced range in class. If you have completed all other requirements, you will be provisionally awarded the Seal pending your final AP test results.

Are there any prep materials for the AAPPL exam?

The AAPPL web site has demo tests you can take. These are portions of actual tests from three years ago. Please note that we will be using Form B.

What are the differences between the AP and the AAPPL tests?

Students enrolled in AP courses will take the AP exam and will qualify for the Seal if they score a 3 or better. This may also lead to college credits, depending on the college. However, since AP results are not delivered until mid-July, seniors who attempt to qualify using AP are granted the Seal on a provisional basis until results are received. The Seal will not appear on student transcripts until exam results are received.

Students who receive I4 or above on the AAPPL test will qualify for the Seal. AAPPL scores do not result in college credits. Students who choose to take the AAPPL will receive their scores earlier in the year, and thus can earn the Seal prior to graduation and/or college applications.