Idaho Seal of Biliteracy

The Idaho Biliteracy Diploma was first adopted in 2020. The Idaho Biliteracy Diploma has one award level and accepts many language tests. Graduation requirements must also be met to qualify. Below you will find more information on the Idaho Biliteracy Diploma.

A Seal of Biliteracy is an award that is granted by a school, district, state, or other organization. A Seal of Biliteracy recognizes that an individual has attained a certain level of proficiency in two or more languages. A Seal of Biliteracy is typically awarded in the form of a certificate and can be used as a credential to convey an individual’s proficiency in two or more languages. 

Idaho Seal of BIliteracy Overview

Idaho Seal of Biliteracy Accepted Tests and Assessments

Click on a test below to learn more.

DISCLAIMER: Test requirements and usage often change or vary by school, district, county, etc. Check with your school district for up-to-date testing information for the Idaho Seal of Biliteracy. Additional assessments or evidenced-based processes may qualify for the Idaho State Seal of Biliteracy that are not shown here.

State Legislature

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LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF IDAHO

Sixty-fifth Legislature Second Regular Session - 2020 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HOUSE BILL NO. 480 BY EDUCATION COMMITTEE

AN ACT

RELATING TO EDUCATION; AMENDING CHAPTER 5, TITLE 33, IDAHO CODE, BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SECTION 33-524, IDAHO CODE, TO ESTABLISH PROVISIONS RE GARDING A BILITERACY DIPLOMA. Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Idaho:

SECTION 1. That Chapter 5, Title 33, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby amended by the addition thereto of a NEW SECTION, to be known and designated as Section 33-524, Idaho Code, and to read as follows:

33-524. BILITERACY DIPLOMA.

(1) For purposes of this section, "world language" means a language other than English.

(2) A public school student who successfully completes all graduation requirements established by the state board of education may receive a high school diploma bearing a state seal of biliteracy if the student:

(a) Demonstrates proficiency in English according to an assessment or other method designated by the state board of education; and (b) Demonstrates proficiency in at least one (1) world language by:

(i) Passing a foreign language advanced placement examination with a score of three (3) or higher;

(ii) Passing an international baccalaureate examination with a score of four (4) or higher;

(iii) Demonstrating intermediate mid level proficiency or higher in the world language based on the American council on the teaching of foreign languages (ACTFL) proficiency guidelines, using assessments approved by the state board of education;

(iv) Qualifying for four (4) competency-based credits by demonstrating proficiency in the world language at the intermediate mid level or higher based on the ACTFL proficiency guidelines, according to the school district's or public charter school's policy and procedure for competency-based credits for world languages; or

(v) Demonstrating proficiency in speaking, writing, and reading the world language through other national or international assessments approved by the state board of education at a level comparable to the intermediate mid level or higher in the ACTFL proficiency guidelines.

(3) This section does not require a student to complete more than the total credits required to graduate as determined by the state board of education.

(4) Each school district and public charter school may create a diploma indicating that a student has earned the state seal of biliteracy for students who meet the requirements of this section.

(5) The state board of education shall promulgate rules necessary to implement the provisions of this section.

THE GLOBAL SEAL OF BILITERACY

The Global Seal of Biliteracy complements and supports the individual state Seals of Biliteracy. The organization is committed to expanding the opportunity to demonstrate and document one's bilingualism. The Global Seal of Biliteracy credential meets or exceeds the requirements of all existing U.S. state Seal programs, and offers a uniform standard to recognize language skills at levels that are meaningful for academic and workplace environments. It allows recipients to showcase their language skills to any school or employer across state lines and national borders. The Global Seal of Biliteracy is proof of your language proficiency at one of three fluency levels.