NYS Seal of Biliteracy @ FLHS
NYS Seal of Biliteracy
The intent of the NYS Seal of Biliteracy is to: encourage the study of languages; identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employers; provide universities with additional information about applicants seeking admission; prepare students with twenty-first century skills; recognize the value of foreign and native language instruction in schools; and affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society.
New York has become the second state to implement a Seal of Biliteracy program. California was the first state to establish a program, with its legislation becoming effective January 1, 2012. In the first year of implementation, California awarded its Seal to more than 10,000 graduating high school students who demonstrated proficiency in more than 40 different languages. A number of districts in New Mexico have also developed a Seal of Biliteracy program, including the largest district in the State, the Albuquerque Public Schools. The Albuquerque Public Schools’ Bilingual Seal is currently offered only to students demonstrating biliteracy in English and Spanish; however, the district is exploring how to expand the program to languages spoken by Native American communities.