Eight Woodland High School graduates earned the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy in recognition of their ability to attain proficiency in English and one or more additional world languages this past school year. Students who meet the requirements receive a seal on their high school diploma and on their high school transcripts indicating their achievement.
“This year marks a significant milestone for Woodland High School as it is the first time that some students received the Seal of Biliteracy on their diplomas,” said Carlotta Propersi, a multilingual teacher at the high school, in a release. “These eight students took on the challenge to showcase their language abilities and earn this prestigious distinction.”
According to the release, Propersi identified qualifying students and encouraged them to take part, resulting in more than 60 students who signed up for the test. In order to earn eligibility for the seal, students took a STAMP Avant test, which assesses their listening, reading, writing and speaking skills in a foreign language.
“We had students take the test in a variety of languages including Spanish, Tagalog/Filipino, Ukrainian, Russian, American Sign Language (ASL) and French,” Propersi said. “The availability of the test in multiple languages ensures inclusivity and provides newcomers with an opportunity to earn language credits in their native tongue.”
In order to ensure all eligible students have the opportunity to earn the Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation, the Woodland High School multilingual department reviews and assesses all current ninth- to 11th-graders. This year’s recipients carried special meaning for Propersi, the release stated.
“When I started teaching in Woodland, I did so at the primary school when it was grades K-3, and I had all of the graduating ML students as third-graders,” she said. “It has been such a wonderful opportunity to know these students over the years and watch them grow and thrive as the young adults they have become.”
The significance of the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy goes beyond personal achievement.
“In a world that becomes increasingly interconnected, individuals who are proficient in multiple languages possess a competitive advantage in various fields,” Propersi said in the release. “From enhanced job opportunities to enriched personal relationships and cultural appreciation, being bilingual or multilingual opens doors to a myriad of possibilities.”
About the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy
Established in 2014, the Seal of Biliteracy aims to recognize graduating students who demonstrate a proficiency in English and at least one additional language, including American Sign Language and Tribal languages. This recognition honors the bilingualism and biliteracy of these students, highlighting their exceptional linguistic accomplishments. Learn more from OSPI’s dedicated webpage: k12.wa.us/student-success/resources-sub ject-area/world-languages/wash ington-state-seal-biliteracy.
