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Biliteracy Program Achievement Recognitions

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2026-2027

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Upon passing Prop 58 (which allows for the expansion of multilingual programs) the Global California 2030 Initiative sets the goal of a multilingual California by 2030, and beyond.

State goals include:

  • 2030: Half of all PK-12 students participate in programs leading to proficiency in two or more languages.
  • 2040: 3 out of 4 students earn a State Seal of Biliteracy

Global California 2030

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8th Grade

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Biliteracy Program Achievement Recognition

Awarded to 8th graders enrolled in World Language, Dual Language Immersion & Biliteracy Programs who do not receive the Biliteracy Attainment Award

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Awards distributed at 8th grade graduation.

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PATHWAYS TO BILITERACY

5th Grade

Biliteracy Program �Achievement Recognition

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Awarded to all 5th graders enrolled in World Language,

Dual Language Immersion & Biliteracy Programs

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Certificates awarded at

5th grade promotion.

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12th Grade

Seal of Biliteracy

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Awarded to graduating seniors who meet proficiency requirements in English & a Language other than English

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Awards distributed at

12th grade graduation.

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Biliteracy Recognitions Purpose

  • Recognize student growth and/or proficiency in one or more languages, in addition to English
  • Encourage students to connect with and preserve their home language & culture
  • Strengthen intergroup relationships, affirm the value of diversity, and honor the multiple cultures, histories, and languages of our community
  • Raise awareness of the Seal of Biliteracy among Elementary & Middle School communities in order to ensure students are prepared to earn the Seal of Biliteracy upon High School graduation

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Biliteracy Program Achievement Recognition

  • Not proficiency-based
  • Awarded to all 5th grade students currently enrolled (full school year) in eligible programs
  • Awarded to 8th grade students currently enrolled (full school year) in eligible programs who do not meet Biliteracy Attainment proficiency requirements

Biliteracy Recognitions Overview

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What is it?

  • Biliteracy Program Achievement Recognition available to all 5th & 8th grade students currently enrolled in SFUSD programs leading to biliteracy
    • World Language
    • Dual Language Immersion
    • Biliteracy
  • Entry point on path to biliteracy/multiliteracy; not based on student proficiency

How do students earn the award?

  • All 5th graders and 8th graders enrolled in a qualifying program (full year during current school year) will be awarded a Biliteracy Program Achievement certificate at promotion or graduation ceremonies.

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Biliteracy Program Achievement Recognition

(5th & 8th Grade)

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English Requirement

  • Current full-year enrollment in a course in which the student develops reading, writing, listening & speaking proficiency in English.

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World Language Requirement

  • Current full-year enrollment in a course in which the student develops reading, writing, listening & speaking proficiency (or all the modalities that exist in the language) in a language or languages other than English.

Biliteracy Achievement: Requirements

(5th & 8th Grade)

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Biliteracy Recognitions Example

(5th & 8th Grade)

Each student who qualifies for a Biliteracy Program Recognition will receive a certificate.

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Awards will be mailed to principals in May. Sites may distribute these at 5th grade promotion or 8th grade graduation ceremonies.

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Snapshot of SFUSD 25-26 Biliteracy Earners:

  • 5th Grade: 1197 students (SY 24-25: 1228 students)
  • 8th Grade: 564 students (SY 24-25: 678 students)
  • Total: 1761 students
  • Elementary: 33 schools; K-8: 5 schools; and MS: 7 schools
  • Eight Languages: Arabic, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese

Biliteracy Program Recognition

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Multilingual Pathways Communication Timeline

  • Mid-March: Inform 5th & 8th grade teachers of World Language, Biliteracy & Dual Immersion programs
  • March 20: Discuss awards & ways to share information with families Elementary & MS World Language PLC
  • April: Notify families via Oasis

Biliteracy Recognitions: Outreach

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  • Inform students & families about Biliteracy recognitions & requirements
    • School newsletters
    • Post pathways to biliteracy slide on your school website and/or display around school in prominent places
  • Distribute awards to students at promotion/graduation
  • Implement any additional site celebrations
  • Ensure grades are submitted & accurately reflect students’ language
  • Encourage students to complete ELPAC assessments

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Biliteracy Recognitions: Site Commitments

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Biliteracy Recognitions Celebration Ideas

  • Announce students' names at promotion/graduation
  • Include students’ names in promotion/graduation pamphlet
  • Group photo of students holding their certificates
  • Small award (i.e. summer reading book in language)
  • Spread of traditional foods for families after promotion
  • School-wide performance (traditional dance and/or music)

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Biliteracy Recognitions Resources

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Learn about the Seal of Biliteracy

(for graduating seniors)

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Questions?

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Please contact Irene Aragon, World Language & English Language Development Content Specialist: aragoni@sfusd.edu

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Contact Information

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