Multilingual English Learners and the Seal of Biliteracy
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Yes, as long as proficiency in English and their home language is demonstrated, identified ELs and former ELs are eligible for the Vermont Seal.
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English learners can demonstrate proficiency in English via the WIDA ACCESS assessment (Literacy Proficiency of 4.0). Students who have be reclassified as former ELs do not need to retake the WIDA Assessment. There are a variety of ways students can demonstrate proficiency in their home languages, including:
portfolio submission
a bespoke assessment protocol that can be negotiated with the Vermont Seal team
There is quite a lot of flexibility in this area. If you have further questions, please contact info@vtsealofbiliteracy.org
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Yes, students are able to demonstrate proficiency in languages that don’t have commonly written forms via oral examinations.
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As US Secretary of Education, Dr. Migual Cardona, has said, being multilingual is a superpower! Pursuing the Seal leverages the power of students’ home and heritage languages to become competitive in academic and professional settings. In a personal way, pursuing the Seal is a way to remain connected to and validated in their multilingual identities.