The purpose of this letter is to inform you of an exciting academic credentialing opportunity that is available to all students, but is particularly intended for seniors. BVT students have the opportunity to be officially recognized by the state for demonstrating proficiency in English and another world language through the
Seal of Biliteracy.
The purposes of the
Seal of Biliteracy are to encourage students to study languages, recognize and honor the value of language diversity, provide employers and universities with a method of identifying people with biliteracy skills, and prepare students with skills that will benefit them in the labor market and society.
To earn the
Seal of Biliteracy students must demonstrate high proficiency thresholds in both English and a state-approved exam to demonstrate proficiency in another world language of the student's choice. BVT has chosen to administer the AAPPL, (The ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages) which is available in a wide range of languages. For information about the exam visit the
Language Testing International website.
To attain the
Seal of Biliteracy a student in the Class of 2023 must meet state Competency Determination in English, which all members of the class have already done,
and attain a minimum of "Intermediate high" on all components of the AAPPL exam in the language of the student's choice as determined by the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language) proficiency guidelines. The
Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction may be earned with a score of at least a 501 on the English Language Arts MCAS and an "Advanced Low" on all components of the AAPPL exam.
Any interested student, but particularly seniors, may sign up to take the AAPPL for potential
Seal of Biliteracy recognition. The AAPPL exam costs $20; checks can be made out to BVT with the words "AAPPL exam" and the student's name in the subject line.
Payment must be received in the Business Office by Friday, March 3. We will be administering the AAPPL in March. More specific details will be provided to students and families upon registration.
Any student on free or reduced lunch who would like to take the AAPPL exam for the purpose of obtaining the Seal of Biliteracy should contact Academic Curriculum Coordinator Edward Evans for more information prior to March 3.
Thank you and we look forward to your participation and further credentialing!
Professionally,
Edward W. Evans III Kerry Baldwin Christine BatesAcademic Curriculum Coordinator Foreign Language Team Leader Teacher of English Learners