Seal of Biliteracy

OVERVIEW

The California State Seal of Biliteracy was established with the passage of Assembly Bill 815 (Brownley) in 2011 and has since been updated through legislation such as Assembly Bill 370 (Addis) in 2023 to ensure equitable access for all students. The Seal recognizes high school graduates who have demonstrated proficiency in English and at least one other language, reflecting California’s commitment to honoring multilingualism and cultural diversity. This award is given by participating school districts on behalf of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The Garden Grove Unified School District proudly participates in this statewide initiative. Eligible 12th-grade students who meet the state-defined criteria for biliteracy will receive a Seal of Biliteracy insignia on their high school diploma.

To be considered, students must submit a Seal of Biliteracy application to their high school counselor. Each application will be reviewed to verify that the established English and world language proficiency criteria have been met, in alignment with current state guidelines. Students who are considered English learners by the state must also show proficiency in the state summative English Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC) by scoring “Well Developed”, a score of level 4.

This award supports GGUSD’s mission to graduate students who are college- and career-ready, globally competent, and culturally aware. It recognizes the rich linguistic resources of our community and affirms that biliteracy is a key asset for effective participation in today’s interconnected world. The Seal also encourages continued language study, validates the importance of world language education, and provides colleges and employers with a standardized method of identifying individuals with demonstrated biliteracy skills.

Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) Seal of Biliteracy

GGUSD is proud to participate in this recognition program, awarding the Seal of Biliteracy to eligible 12th-grade students who meet the state-defined criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

To earn the Seal of Biliteracy, students must demonstrate proficiency in English and proficiency in another language through one of the approved methods listed below.

1. English Proficiency Requirements

Students must meet one of the following through coursework or an assessment in English:

Completing all English language arts (ELA) graduation requirements with a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) or above.

One of the following assessments:

Passing the ELA California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) at the “standard met” or above, taken in grade 11.
Passing an English Advanced Placement (AP) Exam with a score of 3 or above on the AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, or AP Seminar exam.
Passing the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section of the SAT with a 480 or above

Results shared with your high school

Note for English Learners: In addition to the above, students who are designated English learners must also demonstrate English oral language proficiency by achieving a score of 4, Well Developed, on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC).

2. Proficiency in a Language Other Than English

Students must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English through one of the following through coursework or an assessment.

Completing a four-year high school course of study in the language, demonstrating oral language proficiency with a 3.0 GPA or above. This could include coursework completed through concurrent enrollment at a college if approved by the school or district.

One of the following assessments:

Passing an English Advanced Placement (AP) Exam with a score of 3 or above on a World Language AP Exam (e.g., Spanish, French, German, etc.).
Passing the Vietnamese 4 Honors Assessment provided and administered in GGUSD annually in March. Students should register through their School Counselor.
Passing of a district-approved language assessment demonstrating proficiency at the equivalent of the Intermediate Mid level or higher on the ACTFL scale.

A score of proficient on a state and district-approved language exam not offered in GGUSD must have preapproval from the Director of English Learner Programs, Tanya Avina, email: tavina@ggusd.us

How to Apply

Eligible 12th-grade students must complete a Seal of Biliteracy application available through their high school counselor or the Department of English Learner Programs. Applications will be reviewed to confirm that all state criteria have been met. NOTE- Late Seal applications may impact students’ recognition in their high school graduation program.

Why the Seal Matters

Recognizes the value of bilingualism and biliteracy
Encourages students to pursue and maintain language study
Provides universities and employers with a recognized verification of language skills
Highlights cultural diversity and global readiness

For additional information, students and families may contact their school counselor or the Department of 7–12 Instructional Services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the State Seal of Biliteracy?

The State Seal of Biliteracy is recognition from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction of graduating high school students who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages in addition to English.

What kind of insignia will be provided by the California Department of Education?

One gold, embossed, self-adhesive seal will be provided for each qualifying graduate. The seal has been specially designed for the new State Seal of Biliteracy designation.

Is there a cost to students for the Seal?

No fee may be charged to students who participate in the State Seal of Biliteracy program.

Do I have to meet all four eligibility requirements for the language other than English?

No. Students may show proficiency in a language other than English by meeting requirements for coursework or an assessment. Students must also meet all of the eligibility requirements to demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

I started my freshman year in ELD classes. I am now a senior in English 2P. Do I meet the requirements for completing the graduation requirements for English?

A student must meet all English language arts graduation requirements. Students may fulfill English proficiency with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above in English coursework or pass the ELA California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)with a score of “standard met” or above, taken in grade 11. If the student is classified as an English learner, the student must obtain an oral language composite score of level 4 on the ELPAC to meet the requirements, demonstrating proficiency in the English language.

I am reclassified as Fluent English Proficient (RFEP). Do I meet the requirements for demonstrating proficiency in the English Language?

A student who is classified as RFEP must still meet all requirements for graduation and meet the English requirements through coursework or an assessment. Coursework would include completing all 40 English credits with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above. A student may also meet the requirement through an assessment by passing the ELA California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) with a score of “standard met” or above, taken in grade 11, an Advanced Placement (AP) exam with a score of three or above, or pass the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section with a score of 480 or above.

What if I took AP Spanish my junior year and did not take the test (or did not pass)? Do I qualify?

Since the student initially tested into a higher level of the world language class, the AP class is an advanced level meeting the course of study requirement. The student would meet the eligibility requirement for demonstrating proficiency in Spanish if he or she attained an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above in world language classes.

I am enrolled in the Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2 class during my senior year. Will I meet the requirements?

A senior enrolled in Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2 does not meet the requirement. This student must pass the AP Spanish course with a grade of B or above, or pass the AP Spanish language or literature test with a score of 3 or above. Students interested in taking the AP Spanish test should meet with their counselor before the deadline in the fall of their senior year.

I take Vietnamese language classes on weekends, and my high school does not offer Vietnamese classes (or I am not enrolled in the high school classes). How can I demonstrate my proficiency?

Since there is no Advanced Placement or SAT Subject Test for the Vietnamese language, students may demonstrate proficiency by passing the district comprehensive language assessment in Vietnamese. The test will be administered in March. Students will register for the assessment through the guidance office.

Is there a district comprehensive language assessment in any other language other than Vietnamese?

Vietnamese is the only world language offered in the Garden Grove Unified School District that does not have an Advanced Placement (AP) exam. Therefore, the district has developed a comprehensive language assessment in Vietnamese, which meets the rigor of an advancement exam, assessing speaking, reading, and writing. The student must register for the exam with their high school counselor during their senior year and demonstrate at a proficient level or above.

I am fluent in a language other than English, but did not take language classes in high school. Can I qualify?

Yes. Students must be able to demonstrate language proficiency through coursework or an assessment. Students may take coursework completed through concurrent enrollment at a community college if approved by the school or district. Additional language assessment options are also provided by Advanced Placement (AP) in languages such as Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Latin, and German, in addition to Spanish and French. The district provides a Vietnamese comprehensive language assessment, which may only be administered to 12th-grade students who pre-register with their high school counselor.

If your language proficiency cannot be assessed through one of these means, two local language assessments that measure all language domains are approved by the state and district for the Seal of Biliteracy. In 2024, the district approved the following assessments provided outside of the district: National Examinations in World Languages (NEWL), assessing Arabic, Korean, Portuguese, and Russian, and the Avant STAMP 4S, which assesses fifteen languages, including Hebrew, Hindi, Polish, and Mandarin, to name a few. Taking these language tests may require personal payment and require approval from the Director of English Learner Programs. A student must score proficient to meet eligibility. Students must also meet the criteria to demonstrate proficiency in English. Please contact Director Tanya Avina (tavina@ggusd.us) if you have questions or seek approval for a language not offered by the school district.

Check back for updates and additional questions and answers throughout the year.

7-12 Instructional Services