Seal of Biliteracy
The Oklahoma Seal of Biliteracy was established in September 2020 (70 O.S. § 11-103.2; 201:10-1-16) and is bestowed by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) to recognize and honor high school students who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and one or more additional languages. The Seal of Biliteracy is available to any student who can demonstrate proficiency in English and another language at the Intermediate-Mid or Advanced-Low level. The recognition for attaining biliteracy becomes part of the high school transcript and recognizes the student’s readiness for career, college, and engagement as a global citizen.
How do students earn the Seal of Biliteracy?
Any student in grades 9-12 who demonstrates proficiency in both English and another language can earn the Seal of Biliteracy. The student must take assessments that demonstrate their proficiency in each language.
- View the List Of State-Approved Assessments. One assessment is needed per language.
- Important Note: The PSAT and SAT no longer count as evidence of English proficiency.
Use this timeline to guide district planning, student recruitment, assessment, reporting, and recognition. Districts may establish their own internal deadlines as needed to meet the state reporting timeline.
Oklahoma Seal of Biliteracy Timeline
| Step | Action | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Share Information Districtwide | Districts communicate the Oklahoma Seal of Biliteracy opportunity, eligibility criteria, and application process to school sites and personnel, including counselors, World Languages teachers, and English/EL teachers. Information should also be shared with students and families across all grade levels. | Begin in early fall and continue throughout the school year. |
| 2. Plan the District Process | Districts establish a local timeline and process for identifying eligible students, soliciting applications, collecting student intent to participate, securing funding, selecting state-approved assessments, establishing testing dates, and creating accounts with testing providers. | Begin in early fall and finalize plans in time to meet assessment and reporting deadlines (to be announced). |
3. Inform and Recruit Students
| School sites explain the benefits of the seal of biliteracy, help students understand how to qualify, and encourage students to apply and establish proficiency goals. Share information during ICAP advisories, World Languages classes, English/EL classes, and other appropriate opportunities. | Early fall and spring, with communication throughout the year.
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| 4. Identify Students and Collect Intent to Participate | Students notify the district Seal of Biliteracy coordinator of their intent to participate. District coordinators review existing assessment results, identify students who qualify or are close to qualifying, and determine which additional assessments are needed. | Fall, preferably, or early spring to allow sufficient time for assessment registration and scheduling. |
5. Arrange and Administer Assessments See Important Considerations below. | District coordinators develop an assessment plan for each student, register students for needed assessments, and schedule testing in English and the additional language(s). Students may complete qualifying assessments at appropriate times throughout grades 9–12. | Begin coordinating assessments in the fall, preferably, or early spring so results can be reported by the end of April. |
| 6. Report Qualifying Student Data to OSDE | Districts report assessment data for qualifying students through Single Sign-On in the Oklahoma Academic Scholars Seal of Biliteracy Report. All districts must submit a report, even if no students apply or qualify. | Before May, by the state reporting deadline once established (to be announced). |
Important Considerations for Arranging and Adminstering Assessments
- Financial assistance: Districts are encouraged to pay for assessments or provide financial assistance so that no student is denied the credential because of cost. Title I funds and existing financial assistance processes for students receiving free or reduced-price lunch may be used, as applicable.
- Senior-year AP assessments: Seniors qualifying through AP assessments remain candidates for the Seal of Biliteracy until results are available after graduation. Students who qualify receive recognition after graduation.
- Early recognition: Recording the Seal of Biliteracy on transcripts as soon as students meet the requirements allows juniors and other qualifying students to use this achievement for scholarship, college, and job applications.
Contact Information
Dr. Katelin Frantz
Project Manager, World Languages
Standards and Learning
