Idaho Department of Education

The Idaho Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by a school, district, or state in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. The Seal of Biliteracy encourages students to be biliterate, and helps schools to promote bilingualism by providing certificates and seals. The Seal of Biliteracy encourages students to pursue biliteracy, honors the skills our students attain, and can be evidence of skills that are attractive to future employers and college admissions offices.

Student Eligibility

Please read this information carefully!
According to I.C. § 33-524 a Biliteracy Diploma can be awarded to every student who meets the requirements of graduation established by the School, demonstrates proficiency in English, and meets one of the following requirements for demonstrating proficiency in a language other than English:

Proficiency in English

English proficiency may be demonstrated during a student’s high school tenure through:

• scoring proficient on the ELA portion of the high school ISAT in 10th grade and/or
• High school transcript showing proficiency of English Language Arts with course content on track to meet graduation requirements.

Proficiency in a language other than English

Proficiency in a language other than English may be demonstrated through one of the following, realized during a student’s high school tenure:

• Passing a foreign language advanced placement exam with a score of 3 or higher; or
• Passing an international baccalaureate examination with a score of 4 or higher; or
• Demonstrating intermediate mid-level proficiency or higher in the world language based on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL) proficiency guidelines, using assessments approved by the state board of education; or
• Qualifying for four (4) competency-based credits by demonstrating proficiency in the world language at the intermediate mid-level or higher based on the ACTFL proficiency guidelines, according to the school’s policy and procedure for competency-based credits for world languages; or
• Demonstrating proficiency in speaking, writing, and reading the world language through other national or international assessments approved by the State Board of Education.

First Steps

1. Adopt a policy and procedure for awarding the Idaho Seal of Biliteracy based on English and one or more World Languages proficiency (sample district policy).

2. Decide who will pay for the tests and how to process payment. Possible funding structures include the following:

• District Pays
• District Prioritizes Funding
  • 11th and 12th graders who need credits
  • Students who are in financial need
  • First time taking the test

3. Set up accounts with the testing company based upon the languages and tests your district plans to offer. NOTE: Assessment providers listed below may update tests/languages offered. Check with the provider for the most current information.

Idaho State Board of Education Approved Assessments

4. Budget Code and Payment: The district should set up a budget code for World Language Competency Testing that can receive student payments and pay invoices from the testing companies. The school accountant can advise on the best system to accept and track payment.

Registration

1. Schedule Testing Dates: Refer to the timeline to choose strategic times of the year to avoid other testing windows and to allow time to report results on transcripts. NOTE: AP and IB exams are scheduled according to College Board and IB calendars.

2. Student Readiness: Determine readiness by assessing in a variety of ways:

• Can Do Statements – Students self-assess proficiency against Intermediate-Mid level with the NCSSFL-ACTFL Can Do Statements.
• Student Meetings – Students attend an informational meeting where they practice a quick write and conversation.
• Portfolio – Students create a guided online or paper portfolio of their language skills. Example: LinguaFolio

3. Choose a Location: Reserve a location that is accessible to students. The testing location will need:

• Computers with a good internet connection
• Headsets for listening and speaking
• Room for written test
• Room for oral interviews (if scheduling the same day
• ASL: Arrange for location that has approved video technology
• AP and IB Testing: AP and IB exams are scheduled according to the College Board and IB calendars

4. Notify the students of testing options: Sample Poster

5. Student Sign Up: The registration process should be accessible to students and easy to navigate. Each school or district should choose something that will be best managed and verified to meet the needs of their students. Example of a student application.

Testing

Two Weeks Before Testing Date:

• Close registration
• Check with your testing provider for proctoring guidelines
• Order tests through your testing provider
• Check registration list for errors
• Hire or reassign a technical support person
• Hire one proctor per 25 students, plus at least one floater
• Do test diagnostics provided by the testing companies

Results

Registrars, or the official district designee, are responsible for posting the earned Idaho Seal of Biliteracy results to the student transcript through the district Student Information System (SIS). It is important for districts to formally recognize students earning the Idaho Seal by noting the achievement so colleges, universities and employers can identify students with biliteracy skills. Districts should submit students' names, ID numbers, the results of their two proficiency requirements, and the contact info for their Seal of Biliteracy coordinator using the Idaho Seal of Biliteracy Reporting Form.

Additionally, districts are encouraged to recognize the achievement as a way to not only acknowledge the accomplishment, but also attract the interest of other students who may be motivated to earn the award. This could include recognition ceremonies, publicizing the students in a district newsletter or local newspaper; or small trophies, certificates or medals. “Each school district and public charter school may create a diploma indicating that a student has earned the state seal of biliteracy for students who meet the requirements of this section.” Idaho Code § 33-524.

Here are two versions of the Idaho Seal of Biliteracy for use: PDF, EPS.