Seal of Biliteracy
South Dakota Seal of Biliteracy
Students with a qualifying assessment in the 24-25 school year and beyond will be awarded the South Dakota Seal of Biliteracy.
The South Dakota Seal of Biliteracy is a recognition added to the high school diplomas of students who have mastered one or more languages alongside English proficiency. The South Dakota Department of Education is offering a Silver and Gold Seal of Biliteracy. The requirements for obtaining the seals can be found in the SD Seal of Biliteracy Implementation Guide. Students who qualify will receive a physical seal that can be affixed to their high school diplomas as well as an identifier on the student's transcript. Participation in this program is voluntary for school districts.
Global Seal Of Biliteracy
Students with a qualifying assessment previous to the 24-25 school year will be awarded both the state and global seals.
The Seal of Biliteracy awarded by the Global Seal of Biliteracy Organization certifies language proficiency in two languages (or more) at the Intermediate-Mid and Advanced- Low levels on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL) Proficiency Scale. The Intermediate-Mid certificate is called the Functional Fluency Award and the Advanced-Low certificate is called the Working Fluency Award. To receive the Seal, the school submits qualifying test scores as evidence of language skills in two or more languages. The test must have been taken within the 12 months preceding the date the scores are submitted. For students whose first language is not English, schools must submit qualifying English test scores or verify that the students have met established English requirements for graduation.