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Seal of Biliteracy

image of seal of biliteracy badge
image of seal of biliteracy badge
image of seal of biliteracy badge

The New York State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages, in addition to English. The Seal, first offered during the 2020-2021 academic year, helps meet the following objectives:

  • To encourage students to study languages
  • To recognize the value of language diversity
  • To provide employers with a method of identifying people with language skills
  • To provide universities with a method to recognize and give credit to applicants for the attainment of high-level skills in multiple languages
  • To prepare students with 21st century skills
  • To honor the multiple cultures and languages in our community

To earn the Seal of Biliteracy, students have to earn three "points" in English as well as each additional World Language for which they want to earn the Seal. There is a menu of options for students to earn points.

Frequently Asked Questions