Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Students who earn the Seal of Biliteracy receive a seal on their diploma and their high school transcript
Graduates from Woodland High School earned the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy in recognition of their ability to attain proficiency in English and one or more additional world languages. Students who meet the requirements receive a seal on their high school diploma and on their high school transcripts indicating their achievement.
“This year marks a significant milestone for Woodland High School as it is the first time that some students received the Seal of Biliteracy on their diplomas,” said Carlotta Propersi, a multilingual teacher at the high school. “These eight students took on the challenge to showcase their language abilities and earn this prestigious distinction.”
Thanks to Propersi's proactive approach if identifying qualifying students and encouraging them to take part, more than 60 students eagerly signed up for the test, signaling their dedication to acquiring biliteracy. In order to earn eligibility for the Seal, students took a STAMP Avant test which assesses their listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in a foreign language. “We had students take the test in a variety of languages including Spanish, Tagalog/Filipino, Ukrainian, Russian, American Sign Language (ASL), and French,” said Propersi. “The availability of the test in multiple languages ensures inclusivity and provides newcomers with an opportunity to earn language credits in their native tongue.”
In order to ensure all students who may be eligible have the opportunity to earn the Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation, the ML department reviews and assesses all current 9th to 11th graders. This year’s recipients carried special meaning for Propersi. “When I started teaching in Woodland, I did so at the Primary School when it grades K-13 and I had all of the graduating ML students as 3rd graders,” she said. “It has been such a wonderful opportunity to know these students over the years and watch them grow and thrive as the young adults they have become.”
The significance of the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy extends beyond personal achievements. “In a world that becomes increasingly interconnected, individuals who are proficient in multiple languages possess a competitive advantage in various fields,” explained Propersi. “From enhanced job opportunities to enriched personal relationships and cultural appreciation, being bilingual or multilingual opens doors to a myriad of possibilities.”
About the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy
Established in 2014, the Seal of Biliteracy aims to recognize graduating students who demonstrate a proficiency in English and at least one additional language, including American Sign Language and Tribal languages. This recognition honors the bilingualism and biliteracy of these students, highlighting their exceptional linguistic accomplishments. Learn more from OSPI’s dedicated webpage: https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/resources-subject-area/world-languages/washington-state-seal-biliteracy