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Vestavia Hills High School

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Seal of Biliteracy

Pathways to the Seal

A diagram illustrating the path to language proficiency, with different levels marked by signs and stick figures.

  • The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language (including American Sign Language). The seal certifies that a student is proficient in all modes of a language, such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing. VHHS offers both the Alabama State Seal and the Global Seal of Biliteracy. Students will be assessed in their sophomore, junior, or senior year for language proficiency. Qualified students will be recognized at an induction ceremony in the fall of their senior year.

    Seal of Biliteracy Pamphlet​​​​​​​

  • Any student at VHHS can apply for and work toward attaining the Seal of Biliteracy. The seal can be awarded for any world languages studied at VHHS or any heritage languages learned at home. In order to attain the required proficiency level at VHHS, students should plan to take 4 consecutive years of the language. Heritage speakers should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in both spoken and written language.

  • The Global Seal of Biliteracy is a language proficiency certification recognized worldwide that provides access to anyone (both students and graduates) interested in being formally certified for achieving a high standard of proficiency in two or more languages. The Global Seal of Biliteracy awards 3 differing levels of language fluency: Functional Fluency, Working Fluency, and Professional Fluency. The Functional and Working Fluency level can be achieved through the VHHS Seal of Biliteracy Program. Please see Global Seal of Biliteracy website for more information.

  • Knowing a second language and understanding other cultures increases students' marketability to both universities and employers. In our global society, cultural competency and language proficiency have become essential skills for the workplace and are required in many fields. In Vestavia Hills alone, more than 40 languages are spoken. The Seal of Biliteracy rewards students who value cultural awareness and can apply their language abilities to real-life settings. The Global Seal of Biliteracy certifications may enable students to earn college credit, to apply for scholarships or study abroad programs, and to access employment opportunities or pay differentials. 

Criteria for Awarding the Seal

Criteria for Awarding the Alabama Seal of Biliteracy and the Global Seal of Biliteracy 

(See Slideshow for more information)

  • Alabama State Seal of Biliteracy
    • This is a new program offered by the state of Alabama.
    • To achieve this level of the Seal of Biliteracy you must meet the following requirements*:
      • 5 (intermediate-mid) on all sections of the STAMP Test (This will apply to MOST languages) or 3 on the AP Exam
      • I3 on the ALIRA Test (Latin only)
      • Intermediate Plus on the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASL only)
      • 18 on the English section of the ACT
      • 20 on the Reading section of the ACT
      • 4.8 on the WIDA (EL second language requirement)
  • Global Seal of Biliteracy
    • This credential is widely recognized internationally by both employers and universities.
    • Students may earn the Global Seal of Biliteracy at two proficiency levels: Functional and Working
    • To achieve the Global Seal of Biliteracy you must the following requirements within a 12 month period on all test components:
       

 

*If you are testing in a language that is not covered by the tests listed above, email vhcssealofbiliteracy@vhcs.us to discuss your options. Please note that additional fees might be incurred.