Seal of Biliteracy
The Burlington High School World Language Department celebrates success in language studies by honoring students with the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes and rewards English Language Learners and World Language students for the biliteracy they demonstrate in speaking, writing, reading, and listening. The Seal of Biliteracy is voluntary for students within those districts that elect to participate. In addition, World Language programs that set proficiency targets can demonstrate to students that the longer sequences of language study lead to higher proficiency. Overall, the benefits of rewarding qualified students with the Seal of Biliteracy impacts students’ college and career readiness because biliteracy is a skill that enhances most career opportunities.
English Language Criteria:
To pass the English requirement for the Seal of Biliteracy, students must meet the minimum requirement score of 472 or higher.
Similarly, ACCESS for ELLs is administered to English learners in January and may be used to satisfy the English language criteria for the State Seal of Biliteracy by students who also fulfill the requirements of an Educational Proficiency Plan. These students must demonstrate English proficiency on ACCESS for ELLs with an overall score of at least level 4.2 and a composite literacy score of at least level 3.9.
World Language Criteria:
Students who attain a score or level at the Intermediate-High level of the ACTFL language assessment satisfy the world language criteria for the State Seal of Biliteracy. If a language assessment is not available, a student may also be able to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in a world language through a Portfolio-Based Alternative Evidence Method.
State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction Criteria:
Students who demonstrate mastery of English and a world language may be eligible for the State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction. To earn the State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction, students must meet the following criteria:
- English: meeting or exceeding the Advanced threshold scaled score of 501-560 on the English Language Arts grade 10 Legacy MCAS test; and
- World Language: scoring at the Advanced-Low level of the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines of 2012 on an assessment or demonstrating an Advanced-Low level of proficiency through a portfolio-based alternative evidence method.
For more information please see the Chair of the World Language Department.