NH SEAL OF BILITERACY

This national award has been adopted by 49 other states across the country. The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by a school, district, or state in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation.

Students who earn this designation will receive the state seal on their high school diploma and a state issued award certificate. In addition, documentation of this accomplishment will be included on the student’s official high school transcript, a distinction valued by prospective employers and institutions of higher education.

logo - seal of bilteracy nh

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Any student who is proficient in English and another World Language is eligible to apply. Students must be able to read, write, listen and speak in both languages. 

To be eligible, students need to meet three requirements: 

  1. Be a current member of the senior class and on-track of graduate

  2. Demonstrate English proficiency, through ONE of the following accomplishments:  

    1. Score of 480 or above for English Language Arts on SAT; OR

    2. Composite Score of 4.5 or higher on WIDA ACCESS for ELs

  3. Test at the intermediate-high level of proficiency on the STAMP World Language Proficiency assessment. The STAMP World Language test includes four subtests in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. 

APPLYING FOR THE SEAL

Any senior who is interested in applying should: 

  1. Complete and submit a NH Seal of Biliteracy award application. Applications can be submitted to your guidance counselor or your school’s Seal of Biliteracy program coordinator. 

    • CHS Coordinator–Ms. Bruno

    • MST HS Coordinator–Mr. Hasik

    • Memorial HS Coordinator–Ms. Czaplinski

    • West HS Coordinator–Ms. Kirwan

  2. Visit the STAMP 4S World Language Test website to get to know the test. You can also take practice tests using the link above. 

  3. In early May a testing date will be set. Your school coordinator will send you more information about this. The World Language tests usually take about 90 minutes to complete. The results are available in approximately one week. 

EARNING THE SEAL

Students who meet the requirements above will be recognized at their school’s senior awards night. Students will receive an official seal on their diploma and a medal to wear at graduation. 

Many employers and institutions of higher education throughout the country recognize the Seal of Biliteracy. Some colleges and universities will offer world language credits to students who earn this distinction. Students are encouraged to check with prospective colleges and universities during the enrollment process to see if the institutions acknowledge the award. Globally, bilingualism equates to a higher pay rate and more career opportunities in the US and abroad.

If you have more questions, please reach out to your school’s program coordinator:

  • CHS Coordinator–Ms. Bruno

  • MST HS Coordinator–Mr. Hasik

  • Memorial HS Coordinator–Ms. Czaplinski

  • West HS Coordinator–Ms. Kirwan