Maine Township High School District 207 is proud to announce that it will award the Illinois Seal of Biliteracy to students who have attained a high level of proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English. This Seal of Biliteracy also carries national recognition.
Where will this recognition be placed?
Students meeting the requirements for the Seal of Biliteracy will receive this recognition on their transcripts as well as receive an official seal that can be placed on their diplomas.
What qualifies to receive the Seal of Biliteracy?
In order to obtain the Seal of Biliteracy, a student must show proficiency in both English and a second language. The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to those who demonstrate proficiency in English and whose second language proficiency level is equivalent to Intermediate High, as determined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).
What are the specific requirements that must be met to demonstrate proficiency in English?
- Earn a minimum composite score of 21 on the ACT test, a score of 480 or higher on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section on the SAT, OR
- Meeting the exit criteria on the English language ACCESS test. Students then must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English by scoring a composite of 6 or higher on the STAMP exam (Standards-based Measurement of Proficiency) OR earn a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Language and Culture exam
What are the specific requirements that must be met to show second language proficiency?
- Earn a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Language and Culture exam (The Advanced Placement exam is the only qualifier for the following languages: Italian, Spanish, Chinese, French, and German).
- Additional languages can be tested for certification (such as Bulgarian and Greek) through private organizations. Please see link here for more information.
The Seal of Biliteracy STAMP exam will take place at Maine Township District 207 East, West and South High Schools during the second week of April. Eligible senior students and their parents will be contacted via email on or around March 1, 2022 with details on test sign-up and fees.
Who can I contact for more information about the Seal of Biliteracy?
- Maine East: Shari Baima at 847-692-8429
- Maine South: Tona Costello at 847-692-8134
- Maine West: Al Matan at 847-803-5951