California’s State Seal of Biliteracy is an achievement that recognizes high school students who demonstrate proficiency in two languages. This award highlights the importance of multilingualism in an increasingly diverse and globalized society. Since its establishment in 2012, the program has grown significantly, encouraging more students to develop language skills that benefit both their academic and professional futures.
The seal, represented by a gold insignia on diplomas and transcripts, is a formal recognition of a student’s ability to communicate in at least two languages. Earning it requires meeting specific criteria that test proficiency in both English and a second language. These requirements include coursework, standardized test scores and in some cases, oral proficiency exams.
Señora McClellan, one of Aliso’s Spanish teachers, shares, “Making an effort to learn the vocabulary that is taught in class helps students respond to prompts given on the test, leading them to success.”
In California, students must demonstrate English proficiency by maintaining a strong GPA in their English courses and scoring well on the state’s standardized English assessments. For the second language, students can qualify by passing an Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exam, completing four years of world language coursework with a high GPA or passing a district-approved language proficiency test.
Sherlyn Gonzalez (11) shares, “I highly recommend students to take foreign language and try the Seal of Biliteracy test since it helped me prove my skills and boost my confidence my first time ever taking it.”
The impact of this program has been significant. It encourages students from bilingual backgrounds to maintain and develop their home languages while also motivating others to study a new language. Schools have reported that offering this recognition has strengthened their language programs, increasing enrollment in world language courses and improving overall student engagement.
Educators continue to advocate for more resources to support language learning, especially for students from underprivileged backgrounds. Some districts have introduced dual-language immersion programs in elementary schools to give students an early start in language development. These efforts align with research showing that early exposure to multiple languages leads to better retention and fluency later in life.
The State Seal of Biliteracy has also influenced educational policy beyond California. Over 40 other states have adopted similar programs, inspired by its success. As more states recognize the value of biliteracy, students nationwide are gaining more opportunities to showcase their multilingual skills.
The program is expected to continue expanding, with discussions about offering additional seals for students proficient in three or more languages. Such an initiative would further emphasize the importance of language diversity and encourage students to go beyond the basic requirements.
California’s State Seal of Biliteracy is more than just a diploma distinction—it represents a commitment to cultural understanding, global communication and lifelong learning. For students, it is a symbol of dedication and a stepping stone to future opportunities in education and the workforce. As the world becomes more interconnected, the ability to speak multiple languages will remain a valuable skill, making programs like this more relevant than ever.
