2023 - 24 Annual Report
Goal 2
Seal of Biliteracy
The Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy , established in 2018 , is an award that recognizes seniors who have achieved a high level of proficiency in English as well as at least one additional “ partner ” language . With the Seal of Biliteracy , our high schools honor the linguistic diversity of our community and underscore our commitment to global education , linguistic proficiency , and intercultural competency . Students are encouraged to share this information with universities and future employers as a statement of accomplishment . Most students demonstrate their proficiency through MCAS for English and through a four skill assessment called the STAMP for the partner language ( s ). Students are invited to demonstrate their proficiency not only in languages they study at school , but also in languages they ’ ve learned at home or within their community . The data for this year is : 218 Newton seniors have earned a Seal ( reading , writing , speaking and listening skills have all been evaluated at a minimum level of Intermediate High proficiency ) or a Seal with Distinction ( a student ’ s proficiency has been assessed as Advanced in all four skills ). 35 students have earned more than one Seal , and Seals have been awarded in 21 partner languages . Since the Seal became a DESE sanctioned State award , some 900 Newton seniors have earned a Seal . This is nearly 10 % of all Seals awarded in Massachusetts over the same time period . ( Newton has 1 . 5 % of the seniors in the state ). Such an achievement is a testament to how we value excellence and equity in our schools .
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