Utah Seal of Biliteracy

The Utah Seal of Biliteracy was first adopted in 2015. The Utah Seal of Biliteracy has one award level and accepts many language tests, as well as multiple routes to prove English proficiency. Below you will find more information on the Utah Seal of Biliteracy.

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. 

Utah Seal of Biliteracy Overview

Utah 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 Utah Seal of Biliteracy. Additional assessments or evidenced-based processes may qualify for the Utah State Seal of Biliteracy that are not shown here.

Rule R277-499. Seal of Biliteracy.

R277-499-1. Authority and Purpose.

(1) This rule is authorized by:

(a) Utah Constitution Article X, Section 3, which vests general control and supervision over public education in the Board;

(b) Subsection 53E-3-401(4), which allows the Board to make rules to execute the Board's duties and responsibilities under the Utah Constitution and state law; and

(c) Subsection 53E-3-501(1)(b), which allows the Board to establish rules and minimum standards for graduation requirements.

(2) The purpose of this rule is to establish rules and procedures for a student to earn a Seal of Biliteracy in conjunction with a high school diploma.

R277-499-2. Definitions.

(1) "Intermediate-Mid" level means a level of language proficiency in terms of speaking, writing, listening, and reading in real-world situations in a spontaneous and non-rehearsed context, as established by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages or tribal education directors.

(2) "Seal of Biliteracy " means a recognition, awarded in conjunction with a student's high school diploma, which certifies that a student is proficient in English and at Intermediate-Mid level or higher in one or more world languages.

(3) "World language" means a language other than English and includes:

(a) American Sign Language;

(b) American Native Languages, such as Navajo or Ute; and

(c) classical languages, such as Latin.

R277-499-3. Procedures for Award of Seal of Biliteracy.

(1)(a) An LEA may develop a local application process for a student who wishes to earn the Seal of Biliteracy.

(b) An LEA application process shall include procedures for:

(i) advertising the criteria for the Seal of Biliteracy;

(ii) tracking students who may qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy; and

(iii) documenting student progress.

(c) An LEA shall train counselors and world language coordinators to provide information on the application process to interested students.

(d) The Superintendent shall provide an application template which an LEA may use in the application process.

(2) An LEA may award the Seal of Biliteracy to a student who:

(a) demonstrates proficiency in an English assessment; and

(b) demonstrates a minimum of Intermediate Mid-level proficiency in a world language assessment.

(3)(a) The Superintendent shall maintain a list of acceptable national and international tests with qualifying scores to demonstrate proficiency as required by this rule.

(b) The Superintendent shall review and update the list provided by Subsection (3)(a) on a regular basis and publish the information on the Board's website.

(4) If a student meets the requirements of Subsection (2):

(a) the Superintendent shall place the Seal of Biliteracy electronically on the student's transcript; and

(b) an LEA may place a seal on the student's paper diploma.

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment

January 10, 2017

Authorizing, Implemented, or Interpreted Law

Art X Sec 3; 53E-3-401(4); 53E-3-501(1)(b)

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.