Seal of Biliteracy

The Seal of Biliteracy is a formal recognition awarded by a school, district, or state education agency to students who demonstrate proficiency in two or more languages by the time they graduate from high school. The award affirms students’ linguistic skills, celebrates cultural and linguistic diversity, and signals to colleges and employers that a graduate is prepared to participate in a multilingual, global society.

Background and Brief History

The Seal of Biliteracy movement began in California, where it was first established through state legislation in 2011. The initiative grew out of advocacy by educators and community organizations seeking to recognize bilingualism as an asset and to promote language learning among all students—both multilingual learners and native English speakers. Since its inception, the Seal has expanded rapidly across the United States, with most states and the District of Columbia now offering a version of the program, each with its own criteria for proficiency and implementation.

The development and growth of the Seal reflect a broader shift in education toward valuing multilingualism, global competence, and educational equity. It also aligns with workforce and higher education needs, as employers increasingly seek individuals who can communicate effectively across languages and cultures.

National Guidance and Resources

States and districts implementing the Seal of Biliteracy can draw upon national guidance and shared resources, including:

• National Guidelines for implementing a Seal of Biliteracy in your state.
• Resources and articles about the Seal of Biliteracy.
• For more reference, please check
  the National State Seal of Biliteracy Toolkit.