1. California State Seal of Biliteracy: The First in the Nation
Shelly Spiegel-Coleman
Californians Together
California Department of Education
EL Accountability and Leadership Conference
December 5, 2011

2. Purpose of today’s session
To encourage implementation of the Seal of Biliteracy
To prepare to design and implement a Seal of Biliteracy and/or pathway awards appropriate to the needs and interest of your local contexts
To be familiar with the new State Seal of Biliteracy

3. Workshop agenda Background/History/Definition Purpose Pathway Awards
Criteria and assessment processes
The Award itself
Strategy, partners, policy and support
Examples – Ideas
Resources

4. A time in history….. Era of English-only politics
Advent of the 21st century – interconnected, global and diverse
Rich language diversity – but language loss

5. Every era has to ask……
Are our schools preparing our students for the world they are entering?
Are we teaching and valuing the skills and type of knowledge students will need in order to function, thrive and lead in this era?

6. “You can tell the values of a society by what it counts
“You can tell the values of a society by what it counts. We count what matters to us.”
Albert Schweitzer
Are our schools measuring the outcomes that are important to us?

7. Mastery of two or more languages….
Cognitive benefits
Labor market advantages
Live respectfully in a diverse society
New relationships and understanding
Connection to family and heritage
Educational benefits

8. Societal benefits…. Economic benefits Makes cultural life more vibrant
National security and international diplomacy
Community “bridgers”

9. Isn’t English sufficient?
6000+ languages in the world
200 nations recognize more than 2 official languages
10 “link” languages of wider communication (Arabic, Bengali, English, French, Hindi, Malay, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish)
Notes
There is a list of the world's languages, called "Ethnologue" (Grimes 1996). There are 6,500 living languages listed. Of these, 6,000 have registered population figures. 52% of the 6,000 languages are spoken by less than 10,000 people, and 28% are spoken by less than 1,000 people. 83% of them are limited to single countries.
The ten largest languages in the world are the first languages for nearly half of the world's population.
Here is a list of the top 10 languages in February 1999 according to Ethnologue:
1. Mandarin 885 million speakers 2. Spanish 332 million speakers 3. English 322 million speakers 4. Bengali 189 million speakers 5. Hindi 182 million speakers 6. Portuguese 170 million speakers 6. Russian 170 million speakers 8. Japanese 125 million speakers 9. German 98 million speakers 10. Wu 77 million speakers
It is difficult to give an exact figure of the number of languages that exist in the world, because it is not always easy to define what a language is. The difference between a language and a dialect is not always clear-cut. It has nothing to do with similarity of vocabulary, grammar, or pronunciation. Sometimes, the distinctions are based purely on geographical, political, or religious reasons. It is usually estimated that the number of languages in the world varies between 3,000 and 8,000.

10. In the United States, schools produce monolingualism
Vast majority of children in the United States will study in only one language – English
World language instruction has decreased in past decade
Only half of high school students in U.S. take even one year of a world language.
Fastest ever rates of language loss

11. Which of the following are present in your school, community, or district?"
Small numbers or decrease in number of students studying world languages.
Small numbers or decrease in English learners receiving bilingual program.
Subtractive patterns of language loss: As students become fluent in English, they lose their home language.
Attitudes that only English is needed.

12. A growing movement to encourage, & celebrate the attainment of biliteracy
Growth of dual language programs (TWBI)
National Education Goals 1994
Immersion programs
Heritage language programs in schools and community heritage language programs
Foreign language/world language programs
Extracurricular clubs, travel, etc.
Development of the Seal of Biliteracy

13. Student Voices Distribute the quotes from the envelopes
Each person read their quote without any comments.
After everyone has read their quote discuss which messages resonated with you.

14. What is a SEAL of Biliteracy?
An award granted to high school seniors upon graduation certifying attainment of mastery of two or more languages (one of which is English)……
(includes American Sign Language)

16. Steps for getting started
Clarify the purpose
Determine which awards to give
Define the criteria and assessment processes
Develop policy
Consider strategy, partners and support needed for success
Publicize and recruit applicants
Design the awards and plan the celebration

17. San Francisco School Board Resolution
“Our vision is to prepare students to become global citizens in multilingual/ multicultural world by providing every student the opportunity to graduate proficient in English and at least one other language through participation in a well-articulated PreK-12 world language program.”

18. Los Angeles Unified School District
Biliteracy awards advance the district’s commitment that every student graduates prepared and equipped with the knowledge and skills to participate successfully in college, career, and a diverse 21st century society. Additionally, the awards build upon the rich linguistic and cultural assets of the district and communicate that mastery of two or more languages is an important skill that is advantageous in an ever-shrinking global society.

19. Ysleta, Texas School District goal statement
All students who enroll in our schools will graduate from high school fluent in two or more languages and prepared and inspired to be successful in a four year college or university.

20. Why might your school or district want a Seal of Biliteracy?
To recognize achievement and hard work
To encourage students to study languages
To affirm and encourage developing home language
To establish the value of bilingualism
To protect and/or build language programs
To build more respectful inter-group relationships
Other

21. Is a SEAL at graduation enough?
Created a system of “pathway” awards from preschool through high school recognizing benchmarks towards biliteracy
Pathway awards are locally defined, based upon decision-points along the school journey and purpose/need

22. Attainment/ Achievement
Pathway awards
Attainment/ Achievement
Service
Participation
Preschool
3rd grade
End of elementary
End of middle school

23. Reflection
Where along the pathway of schooling do you think it’s important to assert the value of biliteracy with some kind of award? Why?
We can add, “In your response, please share at what grade levels you think it should be implemented.”

24. California – The First in The Nation
AB 815 (Brownley) creates the State Seal of Biliteracy
Students will be recognized by their districts/county offices and the State.
California Department of Education Contact Person:
Nancy Zarenda,

25. English criteria: State Seal of Biliteracy
All ELA requirements for HS diploma with 2.0 GPA
Proficient+ on standards test in English in 11th grade
If L1 is language other than English, attain early advanced proficiency on CELDT

26. Demonstrated proficiency in languages other than English
AP score 3+ or IB score or 4+
Four years of study in same foreign language with 3.0
Pass a district-established foreign language exam at proficient level or higher
Pass foreign government’s approved language exam with certificate of competency (not an option for State Seal)
SAT II foreign language examination with score of 600+

27. Local assessment components in addition to State Seal Requirements
On-demand writing with rubric
Oral interview with rubric
Application
Portfolios
Logging hours
Self-reflection

28. End of preschool Purposes:
To encourage enrollment in kindergartens with language programs
To shape initial attitudes
To inform children about language diversity

29. Preschool! (logging hours, self-reflection and demonstration)
Age appropriate oral language skills and vocabulary in the home language
Active engagement with texts
Age appropriate comprehension of home language
Exposure to second language & some ability to reproduce the language and use it for basic

30. Elementary School: Bilingual Service Award
Age appropriate oral/listening proficiency in language other than English
Age appropriate oral/listening proficiency in English
Active use of both languages
Log of hours of service using bilingual skills
Positive attitudes and understanding of benefits of bilingualism

31. Elementary school Biliteracy achievement award
Proficient+ on standards based test in English Language Arts
Demonstrated proficiency in all four language domains in a language other than English

32. Redwood City Celebration based on 2nd and 3rd grade scores
RIBBONS:
TROPHY:
Proficient or above in both CST and STS for language arts
Proficient or above in both CST and STS for math
Proficient or above in both CST and STS in BOTH language arts and math

33. Middle School: Pursuit of Bilingualism Award
At least two years of Foreign Language class or Native Speakers class with passing grades
Standards test in English at proficient or better
Oral presentation about bilingual careers
Essay on two cultural events

34. Middle School: Biliteracy Attainment Award
Proficient on standards-based test or district assessment in languages other then English Oral proficiency in language other than English Average grade of B or above in English classes & World languages/Native language classes Written and oral presentations about bilingualism or cultural experiences

35. Middle School: Biliteracy Attainment Award
For English learners – redesignation to RFEP English standards-based test at Proficient+

36. Awarding Biliteracy
Which of these awards would you like to focus on implementing?
Preschool
Elementary School: Bilingual Service Award
Elementary School: Biliteracy Achievement award
Middle School: Pursuit of Bilingualism Award
Middle School: Biliteracy Attainment Award

37. Policy: Making it official….
Working committees/Task Forces
Board resolution/policy
Administrative guidelines tied to existing goals
School site program guidelines
County or regional office policy
State level policy

38. Recruiting students/publicizing
Importance of application
Students need to declare it is important to them
Students need to be able to reflect on the value of bilingualism for careers and future

39. Role of Teachers, Administrators & Counselors
Inform students about the opportunity
Assist students in determining eligibility
Letters of recommendation
Serve as an assessor
Inform parents

40. Design the Awards –Californians Together
Medallions
Seals

41. Design the Award

43. Sweetwater Union High School District Stole

44. Velazquez Press Medallion

45. Action Plan and Timeline
Create the policy and criteria
Determine how you will give the award
Timeframe for assessments
Advertising and outreach to students
Assess eligibility
Create the awards
Get sponsors/partners
Design and plan the awards celebration
PUBLICITY

46. Glendale Unified School District’s
Since 1992
Award includes: certificate, medallion, special seal on diploma – and some trophies
District developed assessments in 5 languages – other options include: AP exam (3 or better), successful completion of four year course in foreign language; passing score on foreign government’s approved language exam
Almost 2,500 students have received the award

47. LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
LAUSD Biliteracy Awards
Pathway to Biliteracy Awards (5th and 8th grades)
Seal of Biliteracy Awards (12th grade)
Promote bilingualism and biliteracy as valuable 21st century skills
Statewide movement to promote development of literacy in English and in another language
Beginning with the school year, the Pathway to Biliteracy and the Seal of Biliteracy Awards will be given to LAUSD students who demonstrate excellence in English and in a language other than English. The Pathway to Biliteracy Awards are given to students upon completion of 5th and 8th grade. The Seal of Biliteracy Award is given to students at the completion of 12th grade. The awards are collectively referred to as the LAUSD Biliteracy Awards. Pathway to Biliteracy Awards include a medallion and a certificate. Seal of Biliteracy Awards include a seal on the student’s diploma, an honor cord to be worn during graduation, and a notation on the student’s transcript.
These awards advance the District’s commitment that every LAUSD student graduates prepared and equipped with the knowledge and skills to participate successfully in college, career, and a diverse 21st century society. They also build upon the rich linguistic and cultural assets of our District and communicate that the mastery of two or more languages is an important skill that is advantageous in an ever-shrinking global society.
LAUSD joins a state-wide movement spearheaded by Californians Together to promote the development of literacy in two or more languages. Some other districts that are implementing biliteracy awards: San Francisco USD, San Jose USD, Glendale USD, Ventura USD, Santa Monica/Malibu USD, El Segundo USD, Pasadena USD, Azusa USD, Baldwin Park USD, among others. 47

48. Stanislaus County Office of Education
Stanislaus County Office of Education, in partnership with participating districts, presents a multilingual seal for placement on a diploma to each high school student who demonstrates proficiency in English and another world or “target” language.
To make their own statement of values
To encourage and support districts in awarding the SEAL
Much research went into investigating how other districts, states and nations verify language proficiency .
You will find the words “Target language” throughout our paperwork and it is being used to indicate a world language other than English that will be assessed in order to earn the award.

49. Defining the proficiency level
Recipients of this award are required to:
express themselves with clarity and efficacy orally and in writing
submit a portfolio or “LinguaFolio” that demonstrates the ability to prepare short, polished pieces in English
provide an on-demand writing sample in the “target” language
respond orally in both English and the “target” language in an interview
The assessment process is very important to our system.
Read slide
By efficacy, we mean they are persuasive, descriptive, and proficient for the assignment, topic and audience.
We will ask for the linguafolio before the interview and the interview will ensure that we are getting a sample that is completed by the student applying for the Seal.
This may be a natural place to clarify what has been covered. Are there any question so far?
At this time please look at the overview with the blue highlight on the words goal, Award Components, etc.
A great tool to pass out to provide an abbreviated overview

50. Resources for the LinguaFolio
European Language Portfolio
LinguaFolio 5-State Pilot
LinguaFolio Nebraska
Indiana World Languages site with LinguaFolio links

51. Implementation
What is your area of greatest concern with implementing a SEAL of Biliteracy?
Getting buy-in to the idea
Logistics of getting it started
Cost and staffing
Other

52. Plan and strategize for success…..
Reflection and discussion: Concerns, barriers
Reflection and discussion: supports, opportunities, allies
Implications for WHO should be involved in the planning, for which policy bodies should be involved in granting the awards, and for the framing and rationale

53. What “ripple” effects do we hope for….?
Students who value bilingualism, their heritage language and other languages
Students who understand the benefits of bilingualism - including the present and future applications in their lives
Students who have and take opportunities to develop mastery of two or more languages
Schools that provide strong language programs

54. The momentum is building!
Endorsements from major educator groups, chambers of commerce and businesses
61 school districts now awarding Seals and/or pathway awards
20 additional districts/county offices in process
New state legislation! AB 815 (Brownley) “The State Seal of Biliteracy Program”
Webinar on State Seal of Biliteracy – Feb. 15, 2012 – Schools Moving Up – West Ed

55. Californians Together
23 Statewide parent, professional and civil rights organizations
Focus on improving policy and practice for the education of English learners
Keep us informed of your progress in developing and awarding Seals of Biliteracy or pathway awards!
Seal of Biliteracy Bulletin
Webinar – Implementing Seal of Biliteracy
5 - Schools Moving Up - West Ed – 3/10/11

56. The world is richer than it is possible to express in any one language.
Ilya Prigogine
Nobel Prize winning scientist

57. Section II
Section 2
From Baldwin Park

58. From Azusa Unified School District

60. From Glendale Unified School District

61. Students for the 21st century
Students for the 21st century! For more information: