Seal of Biliteracy

  • Two students stand in front of a stage with their gold Seal of Biliteracy tassels around their necks

    The DPS Seal of Biliteracy is a nationally recognized award earned by 12th-grade students. It signals to colleges and employers that students have attained college-level biliteracy in two or more languages.

    The DPS Seal is included on transcripts and will help you stand out on resumes and in interviews. In today’s competitive job market, the ability to read, write, listen, and speak in more than one language can set you apart from the crowd.

    Bilingual graduates can earn more, have more job opportunities and create connections with their community. The top skills that employers want are the same developed through biliteracy, including communication, hard work, efficiency, collaboration, empathy and decisiveness.

    And, it’s free! There are no charges or fees to apply for the Seal. All DPS 11th and 12th graders are eligible to apply in any language.

    1. Complete all graduation requirements, including demonstrating English competency.
    2. Establish Intermediate-Mid (Inter-4) proficiency in an additional language by completing one of the following: 

     

    Seal of Biliteracy Reqs. Chart  

    DPS students can earn the Colorado Diploma Endorsement for Biliteracy, too!

    • Complete all the requirements for the DPS Seal
    • + Meet a qualifying score: SAT >=470, AP English >=3 or IB English >=4
    • + Earn an overall GPA of at least 3.0 in all High School English Language Arts courses

     See important dates for this year's Seal of Biliteracy.

  • Important Documents

    DPS Seal of Biliteracy School Checklist

  • Who Can Earn the Seal of Biliteracy?

    The seal is for all students who demonstrate mastery in multiple languages using the approved criteria, not just Multilingual Learners or Spanish speakers. We also have the criteria flyer available in other languages.

  • How Can I Implement the Pathways to the Seal of Biliteracy Awards at My School?

    Pathways awards are given to students in third, fifth and eighth grade to encourage students to continue on a bilingual path and eventually earn the Seal of Biliteracy. Criteria for these awards are determined at the school level. MLE has developed resources and an implementation timeline for interested schools. 

    If you are interested in piloting a third, fifth and eighth grade Pathways to the Seal of Biliteracy Award at your school and would like assistance, please e-mail Heather LaMont at seal_of_biliteracy.groups@dpsk12.net.

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