Seal Of Biliteracy

The Washington State Seal of Biliteracy (RCW 28A.300.575) recognizes public high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more world languages in addition to English.

Students who receive the Seal will have notation on their high school diploma and high school transcript indicating that they have earned the recognition.

Students who qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy:

  • Study a world language offered at school (i.e., French, German, Spanish) may earn the Seal with strong scores on AP or IB or World Language exams. See Flow Chart for pathways to the Seal.
  • Heritage speaking students may earn up to 4 World Language Competency-based Credits by demonstrating high levels of proficiency in their heritage language (i.e., Marshallese, Hindi, Spanish…) and by fulfilling ELA requirements. See Language Options.

To earn the Seal, graduating high schoolers must meet the following requirements:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in English by meeting the graduation requirements in English and meeting standard on reading and writing or English language arts assessments; and
  • Demonstrate proficiency in one or more world languages.

Testing for proficiency can be done at any time, but students cannot earn the Seal until they complete all English Language Arts graduation requirements.

Learn more about the Seal of Biliteracy and how students can apply to receive it.