Exciting news in our Foreign Language Department! Starting this school year, both Spanish IV and German IV students will be offered the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy. This test recognizes students’ high proficiency levels in foreign languages and based on their individual scores, students can be awarded the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy. In order to obtain this credential, students must receive a language proficiency score of Intermediate High or better, according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. If a student receives this score, they receive a special seal on their diploma, transcripts, and can actually earn college credits toward foreign language requirements! This opportunity allows students to possibly receive minors or majors in college at a quicker pace and open many doors in the workforce. Both Mrs. Sarver and Mrs. Fetzer will administer this test to their level IV classes in the springtime over several class periods as the testing times can vary from section-to-section. The four abilities in learning languages are tested: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. Using the same test, our students have the additional opportunity of being awarded the Global Seal of Biliteracy, too. No additional test is given for this honor as the same Proficiency Levels act as the scoring rubric for both awards. In the Global Seal of Biliteracy, students can earn the title of “Functional Fluency” or “Working Fluency,” and is honored globally. The foreign language department is excited to see the growth of their level IV students. We are excited to celebrate being bilingual and biliterate!
You can read more information here.