The State Seal of Biliteracy is a recognition given by the State of Illinois to high school seniors who have studied and can exhibit the ability to communicate in two or more languages (including English) by their senior year of high school. It is highlighted on high school diplomas and serves as a statement of accomplishment for college admission and for future employment.
Recognition is not solely based on students' current language proficiency, but also in the continuing development of that language throughout the course of their elementary and middle school years in preparation for high school. Students who are native English speakers and English Learners (ELs) are eligible for the State Seal of Biliteracy.
Students who come close to meriting the Seal at the high school level will receive the State Commendation Toward Biliteracy, demonstrating progress toward full biliteracy in English and another language. Recipients of the Commendation must still meet English proficiency requirements and adhere to the Illinois State Board of Education World Language requirements.
Studies Toward the State Seal of Biliteracy
Elementary school students should consider enrollment at schools that offer at least 120 minutes of world language instruction on a weekly basis in order to assist in their development of language proficiency, where they can be assessed in fifth and eighth grades and may be eligible for the CPS Seal of Biliteracy.
High school students should focus on strengthening their skills on the world language of their choice and work towards enrollment in an AP or IB program. They should also focus on college prep coursework in preparation for the SAT.
Seal of Biliteracy Awards
To receive the Seal, graduating seniors demonstrate proficiency in English and a World Language according to the criteria listed by the Illinois State Board of Education.
A summary of the process can be found here.
Questions can be sent to seal@cps.edu.
To receive the Seal, graduating seniors demonstrate proficiency in English and a World Language according to the criteria listed by the Illinois State Board of Education.
A summary of the process can be found here.
High School seniors: To be considered for this recognition, please check in with your school first. Some schools collect information at the school level before submitting it to CPS and others prefer that you complete this application directly.
If you are asked to apply to CPS directly, you must submit this Google Form by 5pm on Friday, January 17, 2025.
CPS Pathways Toward Biliteracy
Schools with 5th and 8th grade students enrolled in bilingual, Dual Language, or World Language services, can opt-in to have these students participate in testing to determine if they are eligible to receive an award for being on a pathway to becoming bilingual and biliterate.
A summary of the process can be found here.
Questions can be sent to seal@cps.edu.