The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) is announcing that more than 1,800 students countywide earned the State Seal of Biliteracy for the 2019–20 school year. The seal is awarded to seniors who have demonstrated English competency, plus competency in another language by meeting specific criteria.
To earn this distinction, students must demonstrate English competency by meeting the English language arts standards of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), plus receive good grades in all English classes required for high school graduation. In addition, students must demonstrate language proficiency by taking a four-year course of study in a world language including passing an oral proficiency exam or passing a test (such as the Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams).
In a video message to students, Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon said, “Each of you students met demanding state criteria and demonstrated exceptional linguistic abilities on exams and other coursework. Being proficient in more than one language will provide you with skills to help you succeed in a global economy, build self-confidence, and help develop a stronger sense of community.”
Besides English, this year’s Seal of Biliteracy recipients in Sacramento County are proficient in 23 other languages: including American Sign Language (ASL), Arabic, Armenian, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Dari, Farsi, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Latin, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese. More than 30 students earned seals in multiple languages.
SCOE collaborated with the following Sacramento County school districts and independent charter schools in this year’s Seal of Biliteracy program: Center Joint USD, Elk Grove USD, Folsom Cordova USD, Futures High School Charter, Galt Joint Union HSD, Heritage Peak Charter, Natomas USD, Natomas Charter School, Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Charter, River Delta USD, Sacramento City USD, San Juan USD, Twin Rivers USD, and Visions In Education Charter.
SCOE has recognized Seal of Biliteracy recipients annually since 2012. Seal of Biliteracy eligibility information is available online.