The Seal of Biliteracy exam took place on October 14th for students in the Neuqua Valley language department. The exam tests students in their proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Whether in French, Spanish, German, or even your mother tongue, the Seal of Biliteracy is offered in dozens of languages. 

School districts award the Seal of Biliteracy to officially recognize students who are able to speak two or more languages. It gives bilingual students the opportunity to connect with other biliterates and even gain job opportunities. The seal appears on transcripts and diplomas so future employers and college admissions can recognize the accomplishment as well.

Learning a second language well enough to master it is an honor in itself and should not only be celebrated but encouraged as well. Being able to communicate in multiple languages is a useful skill to have, it can strengthen relations between two people who otherwise would have never interacted and can teach an individual about a culture other than their own. With an increased awareness of other cultures, bilingualism leads to an open mind and an open heart.

The Seal of Biliteracy is approved in forty-nine out of the fifty states, as it is still in its early stages in South Dakota. In Illinois, it was officially approved in 2013, and in 2022, 264 schools participated in testing for the seal with over 6,800 seals being awarded. 

Last school year, the Seal of Biliteracy was awarded to 53 seniors from Neuqua Valley, some of whom earned the seal for more than one language.

More information can be found on the official Seal of Biliteracy website: sealofbiliteracy.org!