WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS? THE CRITERIA FOR EARNING THE STATE SEAL OF BILITERACY CAN BE FOUND IN 603CMR 31.07(2) OF THE STATE REGULATIONS. TO QUALIFY FOR THE STATE SEAL OF BILITERACY, STUDENTS MUST MEET ALL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS, AND THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND NON-ENGLISH LANGUAGE CRITERIA DESCRIBED BELOW: |
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Criteria for the State Seal of Biliteracy
1. English Language Criteria:
Students shall demonstrate proficiency in English by meeting language arts requirements for high school graduation or demonstrating proficiency on a validated test of proficiency for English learners. Assessments in English may include one or more of the following as determined by the state:
- Earn a score of 472 on Next-Gen MCAS
- Earn a score 455 on Next-Gen MCAS and complete an Educational Proficiency Plan
Students shall demonstrate proficiency in the language other than English by demonstrating proficiency on a validated test of proficiency as determined by the state. States will determine the assessments that are acceptable for purposes of demonstrating proficiency in a language other than English.
- Earn a minimum score equivalent to Intermediate-High on a state approved assessment
- For languages that do not have readily available assessments*, completing a portfolio demonstrating Intermediate-High proficiency in the language's relevant skills (ie. listening, speaking, reading, writing, signing).
*These are some languages that have a readily available assessment and are NOT eligible for a portfolio (the student MUST take an assessment for these languages): Arabic, ASL, Chinese [Mandarin], French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Thai.
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Criteria for the State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction
1. English Language Criteria:
Same as above but meeting or exceeding the Advanced threshold scaled score of 501 for the Next-Gen ELA MCAS.
2. Non-English Language Criteria:
Same as above but scoring at the Advanced-Low level of the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines of 2012 on an assessment approved by DESE or demonstrating an Advanced-Low level of proficiency through a portfolio-based alternative.
*Additionally, students must meet all graduation requirements as outlined in the FHS Program of Studies.