PA Seal of Biliteracy Information

The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by a school, district, or state in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation.

We hope it encourages students to study and attain proficiency in English and another world language to promote civic and global engagement. It also demonstrates that biliteracy and bilingualism are academically challenging endeavors. By earning the Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy, students demonstrate readiness to engage in the global community.

All Upper Perk students are eligible to apply to prove intermediate-high proficiency in English and another language with approved assessments/evidence. Students may apply for the PA Seal of Biliteracy in any grade but must be evaluated in English and the World Language(s) during their secondary years. 

Seal of Biliteracy Proficiency Criteria

All students who have met proficiency criteria in both English and another world language through school-based programs, community-based language programs, or life experiences can earn the Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy.

To earn the Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy, a student must:

1. Complete all requirements to earn a high school diploma;

2. Earn an average of final grades equaling “B”, 80%, or higher in all English Language Arts courses taken in grades 9–12 and meet any one of the English Proficiency Criteria Options below; and

3. Earn an average of final grades equaling “B”, 80%, or higher in all world language courses in the target language in grades 8–12 and meet any one of the World Language Proficiency Criteria Options listed below.

• Recognize the value of world language and dual language programs in Pennsylvania schools
• Affirm the value of cultural and linguistic diversity in our schools and communities
• Encourage family and community support for the development of home languages other than English, as well as the study of additional world languages and cultures
• Encourage all students to acquire proficiency in English and another world language;  certify intermediate-high proficiency in English and another world language
• Provide employers with a method of identifying candidates with biliteracy skills
• Provide universities with a method to recognize biliterate students
• Promote civic and global engagement

Please contact Dr. Alyssa Walloff by email amwalloff@upsd.org or phone 215-541-2449.