California State Seal of
Biliteracy:
The First in the Nation
Shelly Spiegel-Coleman
Californians Together
California Department of Education
Accountability Conference
December 3, 2012
Purpose of today’s session
•To encourage implementation of
the Seal of Biliteracy
•To be familiar with the new State
Seal of Biliteracy
•To prepare to design and
implement a Seal of Biliteracy
and/or pathway awards
appropriate to the needs and
interest of your local contexts
Workshop agenda
• Background/History/Definition
• Purpose
• Pathway Awards
• Criteria and assessment processes
• The Award itself
• Strategy, partners, policy and support
• Examples – Ideas
• Resources
A time in history…..
• Era of English-only politics
• Advent of the 21st century –
interconnected, global and diverse
• Rich language diversity – but
language loss
Every era has to ask……
Are our schools preparing our
students for the world they are
entering?
Are we teaching and valuing the skills
and type of knowledge students will
need in order to function, thrive and
lead in this era?
“You can tell the values of a
society by what it counts. We
count what matters to us.”
Albert Schweitzer
Are our schools measuring the
outcomes that are important to us?
Mastery of two or more
languages….
•Cognitive benefits
•Labor market advantages
•Live respectfully in a diverse society
•New relationships and
understanding
•Connection to family and heritage
•Educational benefits
Societal benefits….
•Economic benefits
•Makes cultural life more vibrant
•National security and international
diplomacy
•Community “bridgers”
Isn’t English sufficient?
•6000+ languages in the world
•200 nations recognize more than 2
official languages
•10 “link” languages of wider
communication (Arabic, Bengali,
English, French, Hindi, Malay,
Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and
Spanish)
In the United States, schools
produce monolingualism
• Vast majority of children in the United
States will study in only one language –
English
• World language instruction has
decreased in past decade
• Only half of high school students in U.S.
take even one year of a world language.
• Fastest ever rates of language loss
Which of the following are present in your
school, community, or district?"
Small numbers or decrease in number of
students studying world languages.
Small numbers or decrease in English learners
receiving bilingual program.
Subtractive patterns of language loss: As
students become fluent in English, they lose
their home language.
Attitudes that only English is needed.
A Growing Movement to Encourage, &
Celebrate the Attainment of Biliteracy
• Growth of dual language programs (TWBI)
• National Education Goals 1994
• Immersion programs
• Heritage language programs in schools and
community heritage language programs
• Foreign language/world language programs
• Extracurricular clubs, travel, etc.
• Development of the Seal of Biliteracy
Student Voices
• Distribute the quotes from the
envelopes
• Each person read their quote without
any comments.
• After everyone has read their quote
discuss which messages resonated
with you.
What is a SEAL of
Biliteracy?
An award granted to high school seniors
upon graduation certifying attainment of
mastery of two or more languages (one of
which is English)……
(includes American Sign Language)
Steps for getting started
• Clarify the purpose
• Determine which awards to give
• Define the criteria and assessment processes
• Develop policy
• Consider strategy, partners and support
needed for success
• Publicize and recruit applicants
• Design the awards and plan the celebration
San Francisco
Unified School Board Resolution
“Our vision is to prepare students to
become global citizens in multilingual/
multicultural world by providing every
student the opportunity to graduate
proficient in English and at least one
other language through participation in
a well-articulated PreK-12 world
language program.”
Los Angeles Unified
School District
Biliteracy awards advance the district’s
commitment that every student graduates
prepared and equipped with the knowledge and
skills to participate successfully in college,
career, and a diverse 21st century society.
Additionally, the awards build upon the rich
linguistic and cultural assets of the district and
communicate that mastery of two or more
languages is an important skill that is
advantageous in an ever-shrinking global
society.
Woodburn, Oregon
Woodburn
Woodburn, Oregon
School District Strategic Plan
In this increasingly global age, biliteracy and
interculturalism is an asset. All students, including English
dominant students, should have the opportunity to read,
write and speak in two or more languages. We will design
and implement a system so that all students will be literate
in more than one language. Every student will have the
opportunity from kindergarten through 12th grade to study
and develop high levels of literacy in two or more
languages. Well implemented programs are about more
than learning a language. They should be based on
respect for diversity, social justice, multiculturalism and
equity.
Ysleta, Texas School District
goal statement
All students who enroll in our schools will
graduate from high school fluent in two or
more languages and prepared and inspired
to be successful in a four year college or
university.
Why might your school or district
want a Seal of Biliteracy?
 To recognize achievement and hard work
 To encourage students to study languages
 To affirm and encourage developing home language
 To establish the value of bilingualism
 To protect and/or build dual language programs
 To build more respectful inter-group relationships
 Other
Is a SEAL at graduation enough?
• Created a system of “pathway” awards
from preschool through high school
recognizing benchmarks towards
biliteracy
• Pathway awards are locally defined,
based upon decision-points along the
school journey and purpose/need
Pathway awards
Attainment/
Achievement
Preschool
3rd grade
End of
elementary
End of
middle
school
Service
Participation
California – The First in
The Nation
• AB 815 (Brownley) created the State Seal of
Biliteracy
• California Department of Education Contact:
• Nancy Zarenda, SEAL@cde.ca.gov
State Seal of Biliteracy
• Assembly Bill 815 (Brownley, Chapter 618,
Statues of 2011) took effect January 1, 2012
• Purpose:
To recognize high school graduates who have
attained a high level of proficiency in one or
more languages in addition to English
California Department of Education
(CDE) resources
• Informational letter to the field
• CDE website:
http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/el/er/sealofbiliteracy.asp
• CDE web information to be posted soon (frequently
asked questions, language resources)
• Requirements checklist to assist districts in identifying
qualifying graduates
• Insignia request form
• CDE email: SEAL@cde.ca.gov
State Seal of Biliteracy
Data from 1st Year of
Implementation
• Total State Seals of Biliteracy Issued –
10,062
• Former English Learners - 4,305
• 93 School Districts, 2 County Offices, 16
Charter Schools
• 29 Languages and American Sign Language
State Seal of Biliteracy Languages
Expanding Biliteracy Movement
• Over 170 agencies with formal Seal of Biliteracy
policies and recognition programs
• County Office awards and celebrations
• New York State Seal of Biliteracy
• Other States: Florida, Maryland, New Mexico, districts
in Texas, interest in Chicago, Oregon, Utah
• NABE Campaign
• National recognition from Migrant Policy Institute for
work on Seal of Biliteracy and Long Term English
Learners
• ETS Magazine Article
UCLA Civil Rights Project
Study – Dr. Patricia Gandara
• Document the difference the State Seal of
Biliteracy makes to employment or schooling
outcomes
• Data collected by interviews and surveys –
questions leading to determine if having the State
Seal of Biliteracy is in the applicant’s favor when
applying for a job, internship and/or college
admission
• Targeting human resources directors and college
admission officers
English criteria: State Seal of
Biliteracy
• All ELA requirements for HS diploma with
2.0 GPA
• Proficient+ on standards test in English in
11th grade
• If L1 is language other than English, attain
early advanced proficiency on CELDT
Demonstrated proficiency in
languages other than English
• AP score 3+ or IB score or 4+
• Four years of study in same foreign language with 3.0
• Pass a district-established foreign language exam at
proficient level or higher
• Pass foreign government’s approved language exam
with certificate of competency (not an option for State
Seal)
• SAT II foreign language examination with score of
600+
Local assessment components
in addition to State Seal Requirements
• On-demand writing with rubric
• Oral interview with rubric
• Application
• Portfolios
• Logging hours
• Self-reflection
End of preschool
Purposes:
• To encourage
enrollment in
kindergartens with
language programs
• To shape initial
attitudes
• To inform children
about language
diversity
Preschool Pathways to Bilingualism:
program criteria
• Affirm the value of bilingualism (e.g., signs,
posters, exposure)
• Educate parents about supporting dual language
development
• Actively promote rich oral language in child’s
home language (whenever possible)
• Engage children in developing a love of books
and print
Elementary School:
Bilingual Service Award
• Age appropriate oral/listening proficiency in
language other than English
• Age appropriate oral/listening proficiency in
English
• Active use of both languages
• Log of hours of service using bilingual skills
• Positive attitudes and understanding of
benefits of bilingualism
Elementary school
Biliteracy achievement award
• Proficient+ on standards based test in
English Language Arts
• Demonstrated proficiency in all four
language domains in a language other
than English
Redwood City Celebration
based on 2nd and 3rd grade scores
RIBBONS:
• Proficient or above
in both CST and STS
for language arts
• Proficient or above
in both CST and STS
for math
TROPHYS:
• Proficient or
above in both CST
and STS in BOTH
language arts and
math
Middle School:
Service and Participation Award
• At least two years of Foreign Language
class or Native Speakers class with
passing grades
• Standards test in English at proficient or
better
• Oral presentation about bilingual careers
• Essay on two cultural events
Middle School:
Biliteracy Attainment Award
Proficient on standards-based test or
district assessment in languages other
then English
Oral proficiency in language other than
English
Average grade of B or above in English
classes & World languages/Native
language classes
Written and oral presentations about
bilingualism or cultural experiences
Middle School:
Biliteracy Attainment Award
For English learners –
redesignation to RFEP
English standards-based test at
Proficient+
Policy: Making it
official….
• Working committees/Task Forces
• Board resolution/policy
• Administrative guidelines tied to existing
goals
• School site program guidelines
• County or regional office policy
• State level policy
Recruiting students/publicizing
• Importance of application
• Students need to declare it is important
to them
• Students need to be able to reflect on
the value of bilingualism for careers
and future
Role of Teachers, Administrators
& Counselors
• Inform students about the opportunity
• Assist students in determining eligibility
• Letters of recommendation
• Serve as an assessor
• Inform parents
Design the Awards –
Californians Together
Medallions
Seals
Elementary and Middle
School Pathway Awards
Elementary Ribbon
Middle School Ribbon
Elementary and Middle
School Seal
Design the Award
Sweetwater Union High
School District Stole
Velazquez Press
Medallion
Action Plan and Timeline
• Create the policy and criteria
• Determine how you will give the award
• Timeframe for assessments
• Advertising and outreach to students
• Assess eligibility
• Create the awards
• Get sponsors/partners
• Design and plan the awards celebration
• PUBLICITY
LOS ANGELES UNIFIED
SCHOOL DISTRICT
• LAUSD Biliteracy Awards
• Pathway to Biliteracy Awards (5th and 8th grades)
• Seal of Biliteracy Awards (12th grade)
• Promote bilingualism and biliteracy as valuable 21st
century skills
• Statewide movement to promote development of
literacy in English and in another language
Stanislaus County Office of
Education
• Stanislaus County Office of Education,
in partnership with participating
districts, presents a multilingual seal
for placement on a diploma to each
high school student who demonstrates
proficiency in English and another
world or “target” language.
• To make their own statement of values
• To encourage and support districts in
awarding the SEAL
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
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/
Implementation
What is your area of greatest concern with
implementing a SEAL of Biliteracy?
Getting buy-in to the idea
Logistics of getting it started
Cost and staffing
Other
What “ripple” effects do we
hope for….?
What do we know about what it
takes to foster bilingualism?
• Attention to the hidden curriculum in schools and
societal/media messages about bilingualism
• Exposure to multiple languages
• Information about the benefits of bilingualism
• Formal opportunities to study and master multiple
languages
School programs
• Strong world language program
• Strong native speakers program
• Strong ELD and ELA program
• Strong dual language program, translation
skills courses, etc.
• Bilingual career emphasis
• Travel opportunities, service opportunities ways for students to USE bilingualism
Californians Together
• 23 Statewide parent, professional and civil rights
organizations focused on improving policy and practice for
the education of English learners
• Keep us informed of your progress in developing and
awarding Seals of Biliteracy or pathway awards!
www.californianstogether.org/reports
www.sealofbiliteracy.org
• Seal of Biliteracy Bulletin
• Webinar – Implementing Seal of Biliteracy
http://www.schoolsmovingup.net/webinars/biliteracy2
Schools Moving Up - West Ed – 3/10/11
The world is richer than it
is possible to express in
any one language.
Ilya Prigogine
Nobel Prize winning scientist
Section II
Section 2
From Baldwin Park
From Azusa Unified
School District
From Glendale Unified School District
Students for the 21st century!
For more information:
shelly@californianstogether.org