Iowa Department of Education issued the following announcement on Dec. 1.
Iowa’s Seal of Biliteracy continues to grow in popularity among school districts, with 15 percent more high school students being awarded the seal.
During the last school year, 662 students earned the seal, compared to 575 the year before. The vast majority of students earned the seal for being biliterate in English and Spanish.
The seal isn’t easily obtainable. Students have to show proficiency in the four domains of language (reading, writing, speaking and listening) to earn the seal with a few exceptions such as in Latin.
“The Seal of Biliteracy values biliteracy as an asset in the 21st century,” said Stefanie Wager, a consultant for the Iowa Department of Education. “Students who have earned the seal have a step up in being successful in the labor market and the global society in which we live.”
The seal of biliteracy:
- Values language as an asset
- Recognizes the value of language diversity & cultural identity
- Prepares students with 21st century skills that will benefit them in the labor market and the global society
- Provides employers, universities, and grant/scholarship providers with a method to recognize applicants for their dedication to attainment of biliteracy
Source: Iowa Department of Education
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