Dear Families of Wilmington High School Students,
As you plan your course selections, we want to strongly encourage you to consider taking a fourth year of a world language. This letter is to help answer some questions and give information about planning for next year. Studying a language provides valuable skills for college, careers, and global engagement. Our graduates have used their language abilities in fields like healthcare, hospitality, education, business, small businesses, and technology. A survey was administered to all Level 4 World Language students last month to gauge their interest in taking Level 5 courses next year and to get feedback on the program. Below is important information about next year based on that survey as well as clarification requested by students, especially around earning the Seal of Biliteracy.
What is the State Seal of Biliteracy? The State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation and is a strong credential for college and careers. The Seal of Biliteracy takes the form of a seal that appears on the transcript or diploma of the graduating senior and is a statement of accomplishment for future employers and for college admissions. Students achieving Intermediate High on the STAMP test earn this distinction, and some in-state colleges offer up to 15 college credits for it. Find out more about the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy - Student Scholarships, Awards and Special Programs.
Overview of the Seal of Biliteracy Process and Awards Summary:
Timing: Most Level 5 students take the STAMP Test as their midyear exam.
Access: Full year and Semester 1 courses for all Level 5 courses will both test for the Seal of Biliteracy
College Credit: in-state colleges offering up to 15 credits (almost a full semester worth of credits):
Bridgewater State University , Bunker Hill Community College, Cape Cod Community College
Massachusetts Bay Community College, Middlesex Community College, Mount Wachusett Community College, North Shore Community College, Northern Essex Community College
Salem State University, University of Massachusetts (Amherst), Bentley University
Past: Last year students earned 32 Biliteracy Awards, including 17 State Seal of Biliteracy Awards
Preparedness: Students currently earning a grade of 85 or higher in Level 4 are likely in the proficiency range of Intermediate Mid and close to the target of Intermediate High.
Awards: There are multiple multilingual awards recognized and celebrated along with the Seal of Biliteracy for those who continue their world language journey into their senior year.
Details: Please, go to our webpage for more information: World Languages Department
Program of Studies 2025-2026:
All Level 5 Semester 1 and Semester 2 Courses: will be Honors level (French, Italian, and Spanish)
Semester 1 Courses are geared towards earning the Seal of Biliteracy
Semester 2 Courses are gear towards the exploration of the cultures, food, film, and more
Latin 1 H - previously a full year Honors now a single-semester College Prep course, grades 10-12
Student Concerns: In an effort to provide clear and transparent information about future Level 5 course offerings and options for students whose desired courses may not be offered due to low enrollment, it is important that if students want to take another year of language they indicate that on their course selection forms. When we have sections with less than 15 students interested in taking the course as tallied in Aspen after course selection time, we cannot offer to run the course unless there is a possibility to combine students into a larger section. This threshold is not set by the department but rather by the school administration who is guided by the finance committee around being fiscally responsible in course offerings.
Level 5 World Language Interest Survey Results: Below are some key findings from the survey administered.
Results
Thank you to all the students who participated in the survey. Your feedback is valuable as we work to continuously improve our World Language program and we hope many of you will reconsider your plans to not continue with a world language. It is an essential part of a well-rounded education in today's interconnected world and we worry that students are hurting their chances of success if they do not continue this journey. Our world language graduates have gone on to rewarding careers in technology, healthcare, education (some right here in WPS!), and international business! We strongly encourage all students at Wilmington High School to take 4 years of a world language during their time here.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me or any other member of the faculty. You can find out more about our programs and awards at our website as well.
Thank you for taking this world language journey with us! We hope you will take advantage of this amazing opportunity! #FourThenMore
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