The Maryland Seal of Biliteracy is a state award for high school students to recognize their achievement in their high level of proficiency in listening, writing, reading, and speaking in one or more languages other than English.

More information about this topic and the requirements can be found here!

Five seniors were recognized for their outstanding achievement in world languages. These students were recognized for their great score on the AP test. Hannah Lemen, Caroline Payne, Madeline Cunningham and Kaitlyn Thomas all received the Seal of Biliteracy for Spanish, Sofia Schuller received it for French. They received a medal to wear at graduation and a certificate of Biliteracy.

The Seal of Biliteracy is offered in 28 states and the District of Columbia. In 2016, Maryland’s Seal of Biliteracy Bill was signed.  Frederick County is offering the Seal of Biliteracy for the first time at the spring 2018 graduation ceremonies.

The purpose for the bill is to recognize the value of learning other languages to the point of fluency.

It helps encourage students to attain high proficiency levels in one or more languages as well as English. The Seal of Biliteracy pushes students to learn those other languages that will prepare students with the necessary skills to function with other nations.

Students will already be one step ahead when heading to college and maybe even applying to colleges. Offering the classes to learn another language is a tremendous opportunity to expand their learning of other cultures and honor the multiple cultures and languages in our communities as well.

French teacher, Dragana Blonder said, “I feel it gives students opportunities to get jobs and is proof that they truly worked hard and it is not just a grade on their report card. It is extremely important and allows students to be competitive in the school environment to reach the top.”

Participating School Systems are:

• Baltimore City
• Baltimore County
• Carroll County
• Cecil County
• Howard County
• Kent County
• Montgomery County
• Prince George’s county
• St. Mary’s County
• Talbot County
• Washington County

To be eligible for the Seal of Biliteracy, a student must fulfill these requirements:

1. Pass the Maryland High School Assessment in English 10
2. Score intermediate Proficiency or equivalent on an approved world language assessment.

To see a complete list of the approved assessments, click here! For more information, contact your school system’s world language office or contact Bonnie Pechulis Maryland State Department of Education.