Monfredo: New Program in Worcester Public Schools - Seal of Biliteracy

Email to a friend Permalink

Saturday, May 18, 2019

John Monfredo, GoLocalWorcester MINDSETTER

More good news has emerged from the Worcester Public Schools for just recently the district announced that they will bring the Seal of Biliteracy to Worcester. According to World Language liaison director, Michelle Huaman the program has been in the pilot stage in Massachusetts for the past three years.  Now it has moved forward.   “The 2019  graduating class will the first to be offered the official MA State Seal of Biliteracy and we are delighted Worcester is part of it,” stated Ms. Huaman.

The Seal is recognition of a community that believes in multilingualism. Not only does the Seal recognize the student’s perseverance in mastering two (or more) languages but also a celebration for their families who encouraged them to maintain their home language.  In addition, it recognizes their teachers- ELL, content area classes in English and their World Language teachers who pushed them to pursue excellence in their language skills.  It is also a statement by the district that mastery of two or more languages is important.

This year the parents of seniors received letters from the schools letting them know what the criteria and procedure would be for their seniors to apply for the Seal of Biliteracy.  Approximately twenty students have qualified based on their AP Language exam.  The World Language Department has been in the process of administering a language exam for the district has allocated funding to cover the exam for the students.  The Seal will be on their diploma and on the students’ transcript and they will also receive recognition at graduation time when their name is called to receive their diplomas.  In addition, Worcester Technical High School will be creating a special medal for the students.

In order to earn the MA Seal of Biliteracy, students must meet all their graduation requirements, demonstrate proficiency in English by receiving a 240 or above on the ELA MCAS, and show proficiency in a target language by earning 4 or 5 in an AP Language Exam or other state approved language test provided by the district.

As the district moves forward with the program more information will be sent to the parents and our community partners about the campaign to enhance the Seal of Biliteracy.   Next year the plan is to support the SEAL for middle and elementary schools.

In addition, there will be three schools involved in a dual language kindergarten model program next year.  They will have the opportunity to learn a language from kindergarten through high school.   This program is a wonderful gift for our students.  They will learn how to navigate the classroom in two languages and build connections with peers who are just beginning to learn English.  Thus, become a truly bilingual individual.  Two schools have been involved in the Dual Language program… Chandler Magnet and Roosevelt Elementary and next year Woodland Academy will be added to the Kindergarten to Grade Six Dual Language program.

“By offering the MA Seal of Biliteracy to our students and honoring the bilingual students and our diverse communities in Worcester we are encouraging more students to pursue proficiency in more than one language,” stated Mrs. Huaman.

There are certainly many advantages, for Bilingualism is a critical 21st century skill that recipients of the MA Seal of Biliteracy can highlight in both colleges and on job applications.  Another important objective is to connect bilingual students with potential employers.  Being biliterate can often translate into tangible employment benefits.  Many employers take language abilities into consideration when hiring and may offer a stipend or differential pay for employees who speak more than one language.

Keep in mind that the Seals of Biliteracy are intended for all students who master standard academic English and any other language, including the American Sign Language.   If students in the high schools are interested in the MA Seal of Biliteracy the need to complete an application made available in the guidance office .

Should any parents have any questions about the MA Seal of Biliteracy program, please contact Ms. Michelle Huaman, World Language Liasion at [email protected] or Mrs. Carmen Melendez-Quintero, Director of ELL programs  at [email protected]

Related Articles

• Monfredo: Academy - Right Fit for Your Child
• Monfredo: New Year’s Resolution Time - Can You Do It?
• Monfredo: It’s Time - Properly Fund the Foundation Budget
• Monfredo: Across The Nation New Regulations Will Affect School Lunches
• Monfredo: New Health Curriculum to be Voted on Next Week
• Monfredo: Model UN Club Shows These Activities are Necessary in Our Schools
• Monfredo: Superintendent Binienda Receives High Praise
• Monfredo: Vive Al France at Worcester Tech
• Monfredo: Ideas for the Holiday - Lots of Gifts of Love
• Monfredo: Youth & Drug Conference - Outstanding
• Monfredo: More Discussions Taking Place About Marijuana
• Monfredo: Lets Make Worcester a “Heart Safe City”
• Monfredo: Budget Session - Support Changes in the Foundation Budget
• Monfredo: Number One Priority - Reading on Grade Level by End of Grade 3
• Monfredo: Parents, What Do You Know About Vaping?
• Monfredo: A Strong Summer School will Help Solve the Achievement Gap
• Monfredo: AVID - Helping Students to Succeed
• Monfredo: Annual Book Drive Ends May 20, Have You Donated Yet?
• Monfredo: Will the State Come Up With Adequate Budget for Education?
• Monfredo: Support the 14th Annual Book Drive for Children - Reaching for 700,000 Books

Enjoy this post? Share it with others.

Email to a friend Permalink