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The Maryland Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by participating school systems that recognizes a student's high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English and one or more languages.
Starting in California in 2011, the Seal of Biliteracy is now offered in 28 states and the District of Columbia. The Maryland Seal of Biliteracy Bill was signed into law in 2016 and implemented for the first time in 2017.
In 2017, about 1,200 students earned the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy.
What are the requirements to earn the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy?
- Pass the Maryland High School Assessment in English 10; AND
- Demonstrate Intermediate High proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in a language other than English, as measured by assessments that are aligned to ACTFL (The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) proficiency guidelines.
- Click here for approved assessments.
How do students apply for the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy?
- Review the guidelines and requirements for the Seal of Biliteracy
- Students who are scheduled to take an AP or IB language exam are candidates for the Seal of Biliteracy.
- Students who are not scheduled to take an AP or IB Language exam should consult with the Seal of Biliteracy contact at their local high school (World Language Teacher or School Counselor) to obtain information about the approved language assessment that would be most appropriate for them.
For more information about the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy, please refer to the Maryland State Department of Education's web page about the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy.
