1% Better: State Seal Of Biliteracy Testing For Fall Graduates
Every year, Visions graduating high school students have the opportunity to earn the California State Seal of Biliteracy. This award recognizes students who have studied and attained proficiency in English and one or more other languages.
State Seal of Biliteracy testing is usually administered in the Spring, however, this year, Visions had over 200 eligible students that were set to graduate in February. Because of this, our Assessments Team, in partnership with Business Services and Instruction staff including Teachers and Counselors, saw and created an opportunity to help these students earn their seal, something that early graduates were not able to do in previous years.
The Partnership and Test Process
Numerous steps were taken in support of this initiative. Beginning in October:
- Internal Data Services provided a roster of Fall graduates who met State Seal of Biliteracy eligibility requirements,
- Visions’ Director of State and Federal Programs Jamee Block partnered on a communication plan that involved informing students and their parents/guardians of their eligibility status and opportunity to test, and
- Teachers and Counselors of eligible students provided outreach support to ensure students informed Assessments of their test interest and plans to test.
These efforts allowed for the identification of approximately 30 students who met eligibility requirements and wanted to pursue State Seal of Biliteracy testing. The Assessments team coordinated the scheduling and administration of tests in the months of December and January via ALTA, an online test platform. To earn the Seal, students had to pass both a Listening/Speaking and Written exam in their selected languages. Students were provided with the opportunity to complete the Written exam virtually or in-person with several students completing the Written exam during Grad Checkout thanks to the support of Student Services.
The Results
We’re proud to say that 19 students earned their Seals, with four students earning the Seal in two languages for a total of 24 Seals awarded! This is an impressive accomplishment that highlights the hard work and tenacity of our students. It is also a reflection of the 1% better mindset of Visions staff across multiple departments and their dedication to making this accolade possible for our early graduates.
Students who earn the Seal received a medal to be worn at graduation, an adhesive Seal to be affixed to their diploma, will be invited to attend the Sacramento Office of Education’s Recognition Ceremony on April 28, 2025, and will receive Certificates of Recognition at the end of this school year along with Spring awardees. More importantly, each student who earns the Seal has an award status with college and career benefits, including advances in degree program and translator stipends offered by employers in a variety of industries.
“Just this Fall alone I’ve provided two former students with letters verifying their Seal award status,” reports David Villegas, Visions’ Assessment & Evaluation Manager. “One student sought a letter that could be submitted to Sacramento State administrators to waive the requirement for completing a college language exam, the other works as a dental hygienist and wanted to provide proof to her employer so that she could receive an annual stipend for translation services. This is as win-win as it gets from an assessment standpoint. Students benefit personally and their award status benefits Visions’ College and Career Indicator on the CA School Dashboard.”
Congratulations Students!
Congratulations Jasmine G., Malalay W., Myroslav S., Nazar S., Antony G., Sophia M., Alina C., Sadie G., Elsie A., Josiah H., Reann D., Jonathan B., Emily I., Priscila R., Tymur V., Svetlana E., Cristobal M., Alexa O., and David S. for earning your seals! We’re honored to have helped you achieve this goal and wish you luck in all of your future endeavors.
Students interested in the State Seal of Biliteracy can learn more on The Wire.
