Idioma Education's Seal of Biliteracy Assessments for Less Commonly Taught Languages
In an increasingly global society, the ability to communicate in more than one language is a critical asset. The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by schools or districts to recognize students who have achieved proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in two or more languages by high school graduation. Idioma Education & Consulting is proud to offer Seal of Biliteracy assessments tailored for students proficient in less commonly taught languages, providing them an equitable path to showcase their bilingualism or multilingualism.
The Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy Project
Idioma Education is at the forefront of the Seal of Biliteracy movement in Massachusetts. In 2022, we designed the resources, videos, and learning modules for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to support the state’s Seal of Biliteracy initiative. Our comprehensive materials guide districts and educators in understanding the requirements, processes, and benefits of this prestigious award. This project, available on the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy website, empowers schools to successfully implement the Seal of Biliteracy, helping students gain recognition for their multilingual skills.
The resource includes video guidance and interactive learning modules that break down the components of language proficiency, the importance of biliteracy, and the steps districts in Massachusetts can take to integrate this award into their programs. Visit the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy website!
How Idioma’s Seal of Biliteracy Assessments Work
For students of less commonly taught languages, Idioma Education offers a seamless assessment process. Students submit language portfolios through our comprehensive assessments that demonstrate proficiency in the four key domains of communication:
Interpretive Listening and Viewing
Interpretive Reading
Interpersonal Listening/Speaking or Signing
Presentational Writing
These assessments were developed and are evaluated based on the NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements, which outline what learners should be able to do at specific proficiency levels. While the reports do not assign a specific proficiency evaluation to the student, they do indicate whether the student has shown evidence of qualifying proficiency ratings to earn the Seal of Biliteracy in their state. In Massachusetts for example, students must show Intermediate High proficiency in all four domains to earn the Seal of Biliteracy, and Advanced Low to earn the Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction. Idioma will adjust the report to reflect the proficiency requirements for each participating state.
Why Choose Idioma’s Assessment Program?
Idioma’s Seal of Biliteracy assessment program offers several unique advantages:
Convenience and Accessibility: Our process simplifies the assessment for less commonly taught languages, offering students and districts an accessible option to prove language proficiency.
Equitable Evaluation: By eliminating the need for districts to recruit and vet raters, we ensure a consistent, unbiased evaluation process for all students, regardless of their language.
Expert Raters: Our raters are highly proficient in the languages they assess, knowledgeable about proficiency levels, and trained to provide scores free from cultural, racial, or linguistic bias.
Streamlined Process: Students access the assessments through Idioma’s learning management system, and our raters evaluate their portfolios, determining whether the students meet the state’s proficiency requirements.
Supported Languages
We assess languages on an as-needed basis, and we welcome requests for new languages. Some of the languages we have assessed in the past include: Slovak, Greek, Luganda, Bahasa Indonesian, Bulgarian, Bosnian/Serbo-Croatian, Nepali, Thai, Punjabi, and Darija (Moroccan Arabic). Reach out to portfolio@idiomaconsulting.com for more information or to request existing or new language assessments.
Learn More and Contact Us
Districts interested in providing Seal of Biliteracy assessments for their students in less commonly taught languages should contact Idioma Education 3-6 months before graduation. For pricing and details, please reach out to us at portfolio@idiomaconsulting.com.
For additional resources, including video guidance and learning modules created by Idioma, visit the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy website.
Visit idiomaconsulting.com/seal-of-biliteracy-assessments to learn more about our assessment program and how you can support students in their journey toward earning the Seal of Biliteracy.
