Maryland Seal of Biliteracy

High school graduates who can function in two or more languages are equipped with the knowledge and skills to participate successfully in college, careers, and a diverse 21st century society.

The purpose of the Seal of Biliteracy is to:

• Recognize the value of language learning in public schools
• Encourage students to attain high proficiency levels in one or more languages in addition to English
• Affirm native or heritage languages
• Provide employers with a method of identifying individuals with language and biliteracy skills
• Prepare students with the critical skills necessary to function in a global society
• Strengthen cross-cultural communication
• Affirm the value of diversity
• Honor the multiple cultures and languages within our community

To receive the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy, a Calvert County Public Schools student must:

1. Have passed the English 10 course,
2. Have taken the English Language Arts/Literacy 10 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program test, and
3. Demonstrate Intermediate High proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in a language other than English, as measured by assessments that are aligned to the ACTFL guidelines and approved by MSDE, such as AP exams with a score of 4 or 5 and ACTFL assessments with a score of Intermediate High or above in each domain.*

Complete List of Approved Assessments

A student wishing to earn the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy should:

1. Print out and complete the application (applications can also be obtained from the school's guidance counselor, world language teacher, or ESOL teacher).
2. Verify with guidance that he/she has met the Maryland High School Assessment in English 10 requirement.
3. Determine which language assessment he/she will use to demonstrate proficiency in the language other than English, and return the student application to the school counselor.
4. Take part in a qualifying assessment. The assessment is at the student's expense and can be taken externally with score reports shared with CCPS. CCPS will host the AP exams as usual, and CCPS will host the AAPPL exams in late March and early May. If a language is not available with either of these assessments, the student will have to test externally with another test listed on the Assessments Approved by MSDE document.
5. Once score reports are obtained, share them with CCPS via the guidance department, who will forward them to the Supervisor of the World Languages and ESOL programs for processing.

Students who successfully meet the requirements for the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy will have the attainment recorded on their official transcripts and will receive a congratulatory letter from the State Superintendent, a certificate, and a medal of the Seal, which can be worn at graduation exercises. Students who have not yet received AP results will have their transcripts amended once scores are provided.