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Department of Education Receives Seal of Biliteracy Honor
Arcadia Weekly Sep 26, 2016
Mayor Terry Tornek chose to err on the side of caution, opting to seek voter assistance on an issue he described as “fraught with implications and potential … pitfalls.” - Photo by Terry Miller / Beacon Media News
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California was the first state to create an official Seal of Biliteracy in 2012. – Courtesy photo
The California Department of Education (CDE) recently received an award in Washington, D.C., recognizing the state as the national leader in the Seal of Biliteracy program, which awards high school graduates who demonstrate proficiency in more than one language.
READ MORE: Seal of Biliteracy Program
US Secretary of Education John King presented the award to CDE officials during a national symposium about multi-literacy and dual-language learning.
California was the first state to create an official Seal of Biliteracy in 2012.
More than 40,000 California students received the Seal of Biliteracy last school year – the most of any state and four times the number of graduates since the program started. Since 2012, more than 20 other states have adopted the seal.
The Seal of Biliteracy is a gold seal on the transcript or diploma of a graduating senior and is a statement of accomplishment for future employers and for college admissions.
“Fluency in more than one language has always been an admirable skill, but it’s increasingly becoming one that’s highly sought after by employers,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. “In California, we encourage and recognize this accomplishment because it enriches students’ lives, allows them to understand other cultures more deeply, and gives them a tool that helps them succeed in 21st century careers and college.”
Representing CDE at the Washington, D.C., events were Dr. Tom Adams, deputy superintendent of the instruction and learning support branch, and Dr. Veronica Aguila, director of the English learner support division.
