Class act: Biliteracy advocates seek state seal of approval
Published: September 1, 2011
Being not only a border state but also a destination for immigrants from many parts of the world, California is host to families that speak scores of languages other than English. Promoting literacy in at least one language in addition to English is the goal of 58 local educational agencies that have developed biliteracy programs in English and Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Armenian, Arabic, Korean, French, Italian or German.
Last June, about 5,000 to 7,000 students earned a biliteracy designation, which indicates the student can read, write and speak English and another language fluently, says Shelly Spiegel-Coleman, executive director of Californians Together, a nonprofit coalition of parent, professional and civil rights organizations focused on improving policy and practice for English learners, which helps school districts with implementation.
“If students know another language, it helps them develop the skills to cross communities, language barriers and to have a real understanding of what it is to live in a multilingual society. In our state, that is a skill that is desperately needed,” she says.
The Glendale Unified School District pioneered a seal of biliteracy in 1992 (see “Class Acts: Glendale Students Hablan Español–and Korean, Armenian …” in the Fall 2010 issue of California Schools). Once students in nearby districts heard of the program, they insisted on having a program to help them recognize their bilingual students.
Criteria for earning a biliteracy seal—which is attached to diplomas or transcripts—currently vary, but basically students demonstrate their linguistic mastery in a variety of ways ranging from completion of coursework to passing an Advanced Placement or district-approved exam. There are a variety of designs for the seal, though, and that can make it difficult for employers and college admissions counselors to verify that a student is bilingual.
A bill to create a uniform California State Seal of Biliteracy was progressing through the state Legislature at press time. Assembly Bill 815, by Julia Brownley, D-Santa Monica, would create one set of qualifying criteria and establish one seal design.
Cynthia Orozco is a 2010 graduate of Baldwin Park High School who earned the seal of biliteracy and then got an internship with Velazquez Press, a small bilingual publishing house in Southern California that sponsors the awards in local districts.
“I find my work here in Velazquez very meaningful because I’m trying to change negative mentalities on bilingualism,” she says. “In California, students are not being encouraged to learn a second language. I believe it is important for students to pursue their native language because it is part of their roots, and being biliterate is a skill that will only benefit them throughout their lives.”
As the company’s ambassador charged with raising awareness about the seal of biliteracy, Orozco is convinced that being bilingual opens doors.
“I have the responsibility to reach out to other students and share with them the importance of getting the seal and pursuing two languages,” she says. “Today, with globalization, it is imperative to be as well-rounded as possible, so receiving the seal of biliteracy will be recognition for an extremely valuable skill.”
Californians Together’s Spiegel-Coleman says school board members can take the lead in setting biliteracy as a goal for all students in their district, adding that CSBA’s sample policy BP/AR 5126—Awards for Achievement, available to CSBA Policy Update Service subscribers, is a good place to start.
“Board members can set the vision, the tone, and be leaders in declaring that they want every student to be prepared for the 21st century with language and communication skills,” she says. “Those skills are exemplified by students who earn the seal of biliteracy.”
— Kristi Garrett
Who: Bilingual graduates
What: A seal of biliteracy
When: Since 1992
Where: In 58 LEAs statewide
Why: To better prepare students for work and college in the 21st century
More: Californians Together