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Seal of Biliteracy

biliteracyseal_logoThe State of Illinois will recognize and honor the Ridgewood High School students who can demonstrate strong proficiency in a foreign language and English. Qualifying students will receive a State seal on their diplomas and recognition on their school transcripts.In addition, according to a State of Illinois law, students who receive the Seal will get up to two years of language credit at any public Illinois college or university.

Students who have a second language can be awarded one of two distinctions. The State Seal of Biliteracy will be awarded to those whose proficiency meets or exceeds ACTFL's Intermediate High description. The State Commendation will be awarded to those students who are at the Intermediate Low or Mid levels in a foreign language.

 

 

Qualifications

Students must prove proficiency in a Foreign Language in one of three ways.

1) receive a minimum score of I-5 (Intermediate High) on the listening, speaking, reading, and writing portions of ACTFL’s AAPPL exam.  The AAPPL is available in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Thai.    Polish students can test for the Seal using the STAMP exam.  A minimum grade of I-5 (Intermediate High) is required in each of the four skills to attain the Seal. 

2) earn a 4 or a 5 on an AP Foreign Language and Culture Exam taken Junior year; or

In addition, students must prove proficiency in English in one of three ways.

1) receive the State minimum requirement in English on either the SAT or the ACT.

2) receive a minimum overall score of 5.0 with minimum subtest scores in reading and writing of 4.2 on the ACCESS for ELLS exam; or

3) receive a 4 or 5 on the AP English Language exam taken Junior year.

To qualify for the Commendation Toward Biliteracy:

Students must prove proficiency in a Foreign Language in one of three ways.

1) receive a minimum score of I-1 (Intermediate Low) on the listening, speaking, reading, and writing portions of the ACTFL's AAPPL exam for Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish;

2) earn a 3 or higher on an AP Foreign Language and Culture exam taken Junior year; or

3) if an AAPPL exam does not exist in the language, students may complete a portfolio demonstrating proficiency at the Intermediate-Low level in the areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking.

In addition, students must prove proficiency in English in one of three ways.

1) receive a minimum score on the ACT (minimum qualifying score is pending by the State of Illinois);

2) receive a minimum overall score of 3.5 on the ACCESS for ELLS exam; or

3) receive a 3 or higher on the AP English Language exam taken Junior year.

 

 

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

IACA

 

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