Seal of Biliteracy
In accordance with Section 2-3.159 of the Illinois School Code, Leyden School District Students at District 212 have the opportunity to be recognized by the State of Illinois for earning proficiency in English and an additional language. The Seal of Biliteracy Program will place an official seal on diplomas and official recognition will be placed on transcripts of students who qualify. Illinois public post-secondary institutions must grant university language credit to recipients of the Seal of Biliteracy
To attain the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy, students must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English and at least one other language. An "intermediate high" composite score, or an "intermediate high" score in all four domains, including speaking, writing, reading, and listening, is evidence of attainment via an approved world language assessment.
Students who establish high proficiency in English and come close to earning the Seal at the high school level will receive the State Commendation toward Biliteracy. The Commendation award does not usually earn college credit. However, it demonstrates to employers and college admissions offices that the student has achieved a high level of language ability.
Again, recipients of both the Seal or Commendation must still meet English proficiency requirements and adhere to the Illinois State Board of Education World Foreign Language requirements.
Students who have earned the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy or the Illinois State Commendation toward Biliteracy will receive their award at graduation. Achievement is acknowledged on student transcripts and diplomas.
Leyden provides students with the opportunity to qualify for Illinois State's Seal of Biliteracy program by demonstrating a high level of proficiency in both English and another language. Proficiency in a language other than English is determined through one of the approved language exams. Eligible seniors will receive an email invitation to take the Illinois Seal of Biliteracy assessment. Please read the Biliteracy Student Guide for more information.
Fall Biliteracy Exam: November
📢 Important Update: Seal of Biliteracy
The Seal of Biliteracy has been postponed. More information will be shared soon. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Christina Schmidt or Elizabeth Bantel at 847-451-3056. Thank you for your understanding!
Spring Biliteracy Exam: March 12,2025
- Invitations will be sent to all interested students by Thursday, January 30.
- An assembly for interested students will take place on Thursday, February 6, during Eagle Time.
- The deadline to sign up for the test is February 15.
- The test will be held on Wednesday, March 12.
Important Links
- Seal of Biliteracy Parents Guide FAQ
- BILITERACY EXAM REGISTRATION LINK: More information coming soon!