Your Guide to Earning the Seal of Biliteracy at WHS (Class of 2026) 🌍🏅
Did you know that mastering a second language can earn you a special distinction on your high school diploma? Wilmington High School is proud to offer the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy! This prestigious award formally recognizes graduating students who have attained a high level of proficiency in both English and at least one other language. It's a fantastic way to make your college applications and résumés stand out!
Here is what members of the Class of 2026 need to achieve to earn this honor.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
All students must first meet all graduation requirements. The English proficiency is demonstrated through your performance on the Grade 10 English Language Arts (ELA) MCAS test. There are two levels of recognition you can earn:
Second Language Proficiency Requirements
In addition to meeting the English criteria, you must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in a second language across all four key skill areas: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Wilmington High School typically administers the STAMP (STAndards-based Measurement of Proficiency) test to measure this proficiency.
The required proficiency levels for each award are:
Intermediate High proficiency means you can handle most common communicative tasks in the language and initiate, sustain, and close a variety of routine interactions. Advanced Low proficiency means you can narrate and describe in all major time frames (past, present, and future), handle a complicated situation or task, and organize your speech and writing with some clarity.
Why Pursue the Seal of Biliteracy?
Earning the Seal of Biliteracy is more than just a gold seal on your diploma; it's a verifiable statement of a crucial 21st-century skill.
College Admissions and Credit: Many colleges and universities in Massachusetts, and across the nation, recognize this seal, often offering college credit or advanced course placement for recipients.
Career Readiness: In a global economy, employers highly value candidates who can communicate effectively in more than one language. The Seal is an official credential that proves your proficiency.
Personal Achievement: It honors your dedication to language study and celebrates the linguistic diversity within our community, whether you learned the language in a classroom or at home as a heritage speaker.
If you have a strong background in a language other than English, whether it's one taught at WHS or another world language, talk to your World Languages teacher or school counselor about the process and testing options! Start preparing now to make the Class of 2026 your year of biliterate excellence!
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