Learn more about the NYS Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB)
The NYSSB is an award given by a school, school district, or county office of education that formally recognizes students who have attained a high level of proficiency in two or more world languages (one of which must be English) by high school graduation.
The NYSSB is awarded by the Commissioner to students who meet the criteria established by the New York State Board of Regents and who attend schools that voluntarily agree to participate in the program.
The NYSSB is affixed to the student’s high school diploma and transcript and is available to students at no cost.
The NYSSB is affixed to students’ diploma and is noted on the students’ official high school transcript and on the graduation program.
Why does BH-BL offer the NYSSB?
The NYSSB acknowledges the importance of being bilingual in today’s global society. It also highlights the hard work and achievement of students and encourages them to pursue language study while in school. The recognition of attaining biliteracy becomes part of the high school transcript and diploma as a statement of accomplishment for future employers and for college admission.
The NYSSB is also offered at BH-BL to further encourage the study of languages; recognize the value of language diversity; prepare students with 21st century skills; honor the multiple cultures and languages in a community; and positively contribute to the district’s accountability score for ESSA.
Origins of the NYSSB
The Seal of Biliteracy began in California in 2008. Currently, 40 states plus the District of Columbia now offer a State Seal of Biliteracy. New York was second only to California to adopt this program.
NYSSB Statistics
- 294 schools offered the NYSSB in 2019-20. That’s one in every five NYS public schools.
Criteria for the NYSSB
Complete all requirements for graduating with a NYS Regents diploma and demonstrate proficiency in English and another language by earning 3 points in each from a choice matrix.
Criteria for Demonstrating Proficiency in English
1A. Score 80 or higher on the NYS Regents Examination in English Language Arts or ELLs can score 75 or above on two Regents exams other than English, without translation. (1 point)
1B. ELLs earn an overall score of 290 or above on the NYS English as a Second Language Achievement Test. (1 point)
1C. Complete all 11th and 12th grade ELA courses with an average of 85 or higher or a comparable score using another scoring system set by the district and approved by the commissioner. (1 point)
1D. Achieve the following scores on the following examinations: Score a 3 or higher on an Advanced Placement (AP) English Language or English Literature examination; AND score an 80 or higher on all components of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). (1 point)
1E. Present a culminating project, scholarly essay or portfolio that meets the criteria for speaking, listening, reading, and writing established by the district’s Seal of Biliteracy Committee to a panel of reviewers with at least Intermediate High proficiency in English. (2 points)
Criteria for Demonstrating Proficiency in a World Language
2A. Complete a Checkpoint C level World Language course, with a grade of 85 or higher or a comparable score using another scoring system set by the district and approved by the commissioner for both the coursework and final examination (where it exists) consistent with Checkpoint C standards. (1 point)
2B. Provide transcripts from a school in a foreign country showing at least three years of instruction in the student’s home/native language, with equivalent grade average of B or higher. (1 point)
2C. For students enrolled in a bilingual education program, complete all required Home Language Arts (HLA) coursework and district HLA exam with an 85 or higher or a comparable score using another scoring system set by the district and approved by the commissioner. (1 point)
2D. Score at a proficient level on an accredited Checkpoint C World Language assessment. (See “Approved Checkpoint C Assessments” on the following slide.) (1 point)
2E. Present a culminating project, scholarly essay, or portfolio that meets the criteria for speaking, listening, reading, and writing established by the district’s Seal of Biliteracy Committee and that is aligned to the NYS Checkpoint C Learning Standards to a panel of reviewers with at least Intermediate High proficiency in the target language. (2 points)
How do I apply?
- Join the NYS Seal of Biliteracy 2022-2023 Google Classroom: i4g7hso
- Under Classwork and you will find APPLICATIONS.
- If you started the Seal last year, do the renewal application.
- If you are a Junior/have NOT started the Seal yet, fill out the NEW application.
- If you have questions, see Mrs. Dann in 244
2022-23 Timeline for Seal of Biliteracy
- Thursday, November 10, 2022 – Applications due via Google form.
- Thursday, November 17, 2022 – Mandatory information meeting for all applicants (AAP)
- Wednesday, November 30, 2022 – Deadline for submitting the School Notification Form to NYSED
- Friday, December 16, 2022 – Project outline due – typed, printed and submitted via Google Classroom
- January – February, 2023 – A minimum of two meetings must take place with mentors/mentees
- Friday, March 17, 2023 – Completed projects submitted to Google Classroom
- Monday, March 20 – Thursday, March 30, 2023 – Schedule meetings with mentors to practice presentations and Q & A.
- Friday, April 21, 2023 – Juniors presenting English-only presentations
- Friday, March 31, 2023 – Seal of Biliteracy Presentations in BoE room (all day), for Seniors (and possibly Juniors) presenting L1 and L2 OR only L2.
- Wednesday, May 31, 2023 – Anticipated arrival of Seals for diplomas and medallions (Seniors only)
Who are members of the Seal of Biliteracy Committee?
- BH-BL World Languages teachers
- BH-BL ENL teachers
- ELA teachers
- BH-BL K-12 World Languages/ENL Director
- HS Principal
- Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
- HS Guidance Counselors