In the midst of ISASP and spring testing, as students are preparing for the calming summer break, some are choosing to go above and beyond in their foreign language class to achieve the Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal is an award given by a district to recognize students who are proficient in both English and another foreign language by high school education.
According to the Iowa Department of Education, the Seal is important because it shows language as a valued asset, recognizes cultural identity and plays a role in connecting cultures by fostering an environment of diversity. Also, it provides universities and employers to grant any scholarships to acknowledge their dedication for achieving the Seal.
Spanish level 2-4 teacher, Laura Keyser, thinks that students taking the Seal is important. “Number one, it can potentially help get college credit,” Keyser said. “Regardless of what your future looks like, it looks great on a resume because employers want people who are biliterate, who can communicate, read and listen in a different language.”
However, the Seal of Biliteracy is not just available for our Spanish students. They also are available for our French students as well. Lori Rezek, who teaches all levels of French at ADM, shares similar ideas to Keyser. “[The students] have learned a lot just being in the class. It’s a way to show proficiency,” Rezek said.
Junior and French student Siena Schmidt was one of the students who took the test. “Madame gave us a document of different vocabulary and Quizlets,” she said. “Then just speaking to myself in French to try and switch my brain from processing it in English to processing in French.”
The Seal of Biliteracy test at ADM is optional for students in Spanish/French III, but is required for any students taking Spanish/French IV. The test consists of reading, listening, writing and a speaking portion. In order to get the score of the Seal in high school, you must get a score of five or above in all categories.
Also a junior, Spanish student Isabelle Peasley took the Spanish test for the Seal. “Mrs. Keyser posted a note page for us, so I went over the vocab for that and studied that a bunch,” Peasley said. “It’s a skill I’d definitely like to master because I feel like it’s really helpful to have.”
While not all of the scores are out, Keyser feels that it’s still important to take the test. “I tell my students that it’s a practice opportunity and a unique sort of way to get to check your progress,” she said. “We do our best not to just teach to a test, but we do work to honor it as a unique, neat and free opportunity for folks.”
