What is the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy?
The Missouri Seal of Biliteracy is an award given to students in their senior year of high school who demonstrate proficiency in English and any other world language.
What are the Pathway Awards?
As part of a comprehensive language program, the Pathways Awards will acknowledge any student who meets district-level language benchmarks at Kindergarten, Third Grade, Sixth Grade, and Eighth Grade. The awards will recognize students who have sought out second language acquisition opportunities in their communities and/or have worked to maintain the native language spoken in the home.
What is proficiency?
Proficiency is the ability to function in a language at a high degree of competence.
What is the purpose of the Seal of Biliteracy and Pathway Awards Program?
High school graduates who can function in two or more languages are equipped with the knowledge and skills to participate successfully in college, careers, and a diverse 21st century society. The purpose is to:
- Recognize the value of language learning in public schools
- Encourage students to attain high proficiency levels in one or more languages in addition to English
- Affirm native or heritage languages
- Provide employers with a method of identifying individuals with language and biliteracy skills
- Prepare students with the critical skills necessary to function in a global society
- Strengthen cross-cultural communication, affirm the value of diversity, and honor the multiple cultures and languages in our communities.
What are the benefits?
The awards program benefits include possible college credit from Missouri universities, recognition of the award at awards ceremonies, and you receive official documentation of The Seal of Biliteracy on your official high school transcript.
What are the requirements for a Seal of Biliteracy?
To receive the Missouri Seal of biliteracy students must:
- demonstrate proficiency in English,
- demonstrate Intermediate Mid proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in a language other than English, as measured by assessments that are aligned to ACTFL (The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) proficiency guidelines,
- and demonstrate sociocultural competency.
Who determines the eligibility of a student to receive the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy?
LSR7 District coordinators and building sponsors will verify the requirements for each applicant to determine the eligibility of a student to receive the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy.
Can a student earn high school credits with a Seal of Biliteracy?
No, The Missouri Seal of Biliteracy is not tied to high school credits and is not awarded based on course completion requirements.
How do I apply for a Seal of Biliteracy?
Submit your online Seal of Biliteracy Application on or before November 1st.
Where can I find our more information about the STAMP 4S exam?
Please visit the STAMP 4S Frequently Asked Questions section of the Avant Assessment website.
What is the cost of the Seal of Biliteracy?
This program is FREE to students. There is no cost for students to take the STAMP 4S. If students wish to re-take a part of the exam, the cost of re-testing is $5 per domain
Can I earn the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy in more than one language?
Yes, students who meet the requirements in more than one world language can the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy in each language.
Does the Seal of Biliteracy apply to American Sign Language (ASL)?
Yes, American Sign Language is recognized as a world language.
Does earning the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy guarantee that I will receive college credit from a Missouri university?
Each participating Missouri university has its own guidelines for the awarding of college credit hours for those students who are awarded the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy. Seal of Biliteracy recipients should check with their university. These Missouri universities have endorsed the Seal of Biliteracy: Missouri State University, Missouri Southern State University, Northwest Missouri State University, University of Central Missouri, Truman State, William Woods University, and Evangel University.
When and where is LSR7 administering the STAMP4S exam for the 2019-20 school year?
Students enrolled in a modern language class during their senior year will test in class in December. Students who are not enrolled in a modern language class will be contacted with the possible testing dates/locations.
Do I need to be enrolled in a modern language class?
No, you do not need to be enrolled in an LSR7 modern language class. The Seal of Biliteracy program is available in all world languages.
Students who use the IB (International Baccalaureate) exam scores during their senior year to qualify for a Seal of Biliteracy will not receive their results until after graduation. Will they be eligible to receive a seal after graduation?
Yes, the seal will be awarded after graduation.
Where can I find more information? Contact your building sponsor or the LSR7 coordinators or visit the Missouri State Department of Education Seal of Biliteracy website.
Where can I see the LSR7 Slide Presentations:
Pathway Awards/Seal of Biliteracy Student/Parent Presentation