Students have the opportunity to achieve the New Jersey Seal of Biliteracy.
I. Explanation of the New Jersey Seal of Biliteracy (NJDOE)
The State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, listening and writing in one or more world languages, in addition to English.
The Seal of Biliteracy is an initiative to acknowledge and award bilingual and multilingual students. On January 19, 2016, New Jersey became the 17th state to implement a legislated statewide Seal of Biliteracy. By achieving the Seal of Biliteracy, students demonstrate that they are able to speak, read, comprehend and write in two or more languages at a high level of proficiency.
Juniors and Seniors will have the opportunity to take a world language test in the available target language of choice in order to demonstrate a proficiency level of Intermediate Mid in a World Language. The tests assess listening, speaking, reading and writing. The four components of the test take a total of approximately two hours.
II. Purpose
The Seal of Biliteracy seeks to:
- Encourage students to study languages
- Certify attainment of biliteracy
- Provide employers with a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills
- Provide universities with a method to recognize and award academic credit to applicants seeking admission
- Prepare students with 21st century skills
- Recognize and promote second language instruction in public schools
- Strengthen intergroup relationships, affirm the value of diversity, and honor the multiple cultures and language of a community
III. Why Seek the Seal
The Seal of Biliteracy opens up opportunities for those pursuing higher education or joining the workforce. As the world increasingly becomes more global, the need for employees with bilingual and multilingual skills has increased.
- Employers seek bilingual or multilingual individuals for reasons such as:
- Accessing expanding markets;
- Better serving customer needs;
- Reaching particular and wider ranges of audiences; or
- Opening a channel of communication with customers.
IV. Requirements
In order for students to be eligible to receive the Seal of Biliteracy, they must meet certain criteria:
- Students must demonstrate a proficiency level of Intermediate Mid in a World Language in all four domains of language.
- Students must demonstrate proficiency in English by meeting State high school graduation requirements in English or its alternatives, including through State ELA
New Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy
Testing Criteria by the State of New Jersey and description of assessments
NJ Seal of Biliteracy Pathways
