Seal of Biliteracy

The Seal of Biliteracy in Illinois is a significant accomplishment that opens doors to new opportunities and enriches a student’s education and personal growth.  This is an award given to high school students who have demonstrated proficiency in two or more languages.  To earn this prestigious award within the Moline-Coal Valley School District, students must:

• Meet the state’s graduation requirements for high school
• Demonstrate proficiency in English by achieving a minimum score of 480 on the SAT EBRW or a 4.8 score on the ACCESS assessment (if the student is an English Learner)
• Demonstrate proficiency in a second language by achieving a 3 or 4 on the Advanced Placement Exam or an I5 (Intermediate Advanced) on the AAPPL assessment

Students who demonstrate proficiency in a second language by achieving an I1 (Intermediate Low) on the AAPPL assessment may earn the Commendation Toward Biliteracy on their diploma.

Some of the benefits of earning the full Seal of Biliteracy in Illinois are:

• Enhanced job opportunities: In today’s global economy, being bilingual or multilingual is a valuable skill that can make a job candidate more attractive to employers.  The Seal of Biliteracy can be a valuable addition to a student’s resume and may increase their chances of being hired or receiving a promotion.
• Colleges and universities often look favorably on applicants who have earned a Seal of Biliteracy.  It can demonstrate to admissions officers that a student has a strong commitment to language learning and a well-rounded education.  In Illinois, universities also will offer class credit for students who have earned the Seal of Biliteracy.
• Improved cultural awareness, as students who have studied a second language often have developed better understanding of other cultures and perspectives.  This can lead to greater empathy, tolerance, and appreciation for diversity.
• Learning a second language can also provide numerous cognitive and social benefits, including improved memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, as well as increased self-confidence and socialization skills.