Adelante Family Info Session:

California State Seal of Biliteracy

& Biliteracy Pathways Awards

Presented by Kathleen Marte, BUSD Lead ELD Teacher

Agenda

• Introductions
• Session Outcomes
• Benefits of Bilingualism/Biliteracy
• The basics of the State Seal of Biliteracy (SSB)
• The updated requirements for the SSB
• Steps for applying for the SSB
• Biliteracy Pathways Awards
• Questions

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Introductions

Please share your name, your role (parent, student, teacher, director, etc), school(s) and . . .

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Why did you join this information session?

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What do you hope to gain from your participation?

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Information Session Outcomes

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• Become familiar with the State Seal of Biliteracy (SSB) program and purpose
• Review the updated requirements for earning the SSB
• Learn how seniors can apply for the SSB
• Learn about Biliteracy Pathways Recognition program and purpose

Benefits of Bilingualism/Multilingualism

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• Enhanced Academic Performance
• Cross-cultural competency
• Improved mental health
• More career and college opportunities

What is the State Seal of Biliteracy?

The State Seal of Biliteracy is a recognition by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction for graduating high school students who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages in addition to English.

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The State Seal of Biliteracy is marked by

a gold seal affixed to the diploma and transcript.

The Purpose of the Seal of Biliteracy

• Recognize and value bilingualism and biliteracy
• Encourage English learners to pursue full proficiency in English and in their primary language
• Officially certify attainment of biliteracy and/or bilingualism on school transcripts
• Affirm the value of diversity and honor the cultures of our community
• Provide students with 21st Century skills
• Serve as a symbol statement of accomplishment for future employers and for college admissions.

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What are the Requirements for the SSB?

Students need to demonstrate proficiency in English and a second language.

This can be done by grades in English and Language courses or assessments

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How to Demonstrate English Fluency

Complete all English language arts requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in those classes.

Or pass one of these assessments:

SBAC (ELA), Advanced Placement Assessment, International Baccalaureate (IB) Assessment, SAT (reading and writing section).

And English Learners must receive a 4 on the oral composite score of the Summative ELPAC.

How to Demonstrate Fluency in Another Language

Complete a four-year course of study in a world language with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate oral proficiency in the language comparable to that required to pass an AP or IB examination.

or pass one of the following assessments:

Advanced Placement Assessment, International Baccalaureate (IB) Assessment, or ACTFL: Pass an ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) and Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)

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How to Apply for the State Seal of Biliteracy

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Seniors should join the Google Classroom

1. Click on the plus sign
2. Click on Join class
3. Enter the class code:

eccmect

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How to apply for the Seal of Biliteracy

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In the Google Classroom

• Go to classwork and then fill out the from
• Upload documents

Due Date:

March 15th, 2024

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Bilingual Pathways Recognition Purpose

• Recognize preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school students who have demonstrated progress toward proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in one or more languages in addition to English.
• Encourage students to study languages, continue their language study, and become multilingual.
• Raise awareness about the State Seal of Biliteracy requirements and certify progress toward biliteracy.
• Prepare students with twenty-first century skills.
• Affirm the value of diversity, and honor the multiple cultures, histories, and languages of a community.

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Bilingual Pathways Recognition Options

Biliteracy Program Participation Recognition

• available to students enrolled in programs leading to biliteracy in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school.
• is provided to all students enrolled in the program and is not based on the student’s proficiency.

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Home Language Development Recognition

• available to emergent bilingual students with a home language other than English in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school.
• is provided to students who demonstrate that they are continuing to develop the home language by engaging in age-appropriate activities in the home language. �

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Bilingual Pathways Recognition Options

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Biliteracy Attainment Recognition

• students at the end of elementary school and the end of middle school.
• based on proficiency and is awarded to students who meet specific proficiency criteria in English and one or more languages in addition to English. T
• is aligned with the State Seal of Biliteracy requirements
• is an indication that if a student continues on this path in high school they will be prepared to meet the requirements to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy.

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Bilingual Pathways Recognition at BUSD

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Bilingual Pathways Awards & Recognition vary by school site

Sylvia Mendez and Longfellow have program participation awards

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Sylvia Mendez - 5th graders receive a Biliteracy Ribbon when they are promoted.

Longfellow - gives a Biliteracy Program Participation Recognition award for all student participants in the TWI Program at the end of 8th grade regardless of their GPA according the the state guidelines.

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Orgulloso de Ser Bilingüe at Longfellow

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Purpose is to encourage students to go above and beyond their studies in pursuing their bilingualism. Students can earn the special award by completing one activity in at least two of the following categories:

• extracurricular activities
• extra academic projects, and/or
• community service.

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Orgulloso de Ser Bilingüe at Longfellow

Community Service at Sylvia Mendez Literacy Night

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Resources

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Link to State Seal of Biliteracy Requirements

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Requirements poster with icons for SSB

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Link to Biliteracy Pathways Recognition Information

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Article on the Benefits of Being Bilingual

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California English Learner Roadmap

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Questions

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For Berkeley High School Seal of Biliteracy Questions

Susi Lopez, susilopez@berkeley.net

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For questions about Biliteracy Pathways awards K - 5 email:

kathleenmarte@berkeley.net or the ELD Site Coordinator

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For questions about Biliteracy Pathways Awards at Longfellow:

marypatterson@berkeley.net

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Closing

Please share one of the following in the chat:

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• What did you find most helpful about today’s meeting?
• What is one action step you plan on taking?
• What else do you want to know?

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