Seal of Biliteracy

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) awards the Virginia Seal of Biliteracy to students who attain proficiency in English and one or more other world languages by high school graduation. The Seal certifies the attainment of biliteracy for students, employers, and higher education institutions. It is a statement of accomplishment that helps to signal evidence of a student’s readiness for career and college and engagement as a global citizen.

Criteria to earn the Seal of Biliteracy include:

  • Completed all graduation requirements for a standard or advanced studies diploma.

  • Passing all End-of-Course (EOC) English reading and writing assessments at the “proficient” or higher levels.

  • Demonstrating proficiency at the intermediate-mid level or higher in one or more languages other than English. This can be demonstrated on a state-approved assessment.

How can a student demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English?

  • Receiving a score of 3 or higher on the AP exam for the specific language (please note: if the student takes this test in May of their senior year, the seal will NOT be sent to the student until the student receives his/her scores in July)

  • If you are a LATIN student, achieving a silver medal on the National Latin Exam as a Latin IV student, or cum laude recognition as a Latin V or VI student

  • If you are a FRENCH, SPANISH, or GERMAN student, a minimum score of an I-3 or higher on the AAPPL test

Please see your school counselor for more information.

The Benefits of Being Proficient in More than One Language - The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) cites several benefits of being proficient in more than one language, including:

  • Having a positive effect on intellectual growth.

  • Allowing more flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to language, and a better ear for listening.

  • Improving one’s understanding of one's first language.

  • Increasing job opportunities in many careers in which a second language is a real asset.

  • Developing an understanding and appreciation of other cultures