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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.

2023-2024 EXAM SCHEDULE

Leyden offers Juniors and Seniors the opportunity to qualify for Illinois State's Seal of Biliteracy program by demonstrating a high level of proficiency in English and another language. High proficiency in a language other than English is attained via one of the approved language exams. The SAT, ACT, ACCESS for ELLs, or ACTFL’s ESL exam establishes English proficiency. 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

  • Thursday, March 6, 2025
  • Registration opens Monday, January 27 , 2025
  • Registration closes Friday, February. 7, 2025, at noon
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