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Seal of Biliteracy

The Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy is a prestigious recognition awarded to high school graduates who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in English and at least one additional language. Community High School District 128 participates in this statewide initiative, allowing eligible students from Libertyville High School and Vernon Hills High School to earn this distinction.

Benefits of the Seal of Biliteracy

  • The Seal of Biliteracy is noted on students’ high school transcripts and diplomas, highlighting their bilingual proficiency for colleges and employers.
  • Students who earn the Seal are eligible to receive up to two years of college credit in a language at any Illinois public university.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy, students must demonstrate proficiency in both English and an additional language by meeting the following criteria:

English Proficiency Requirements (Must meet one of the following):

  • ACT: Score of 21 or higher
  • SAT (ERW - Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section): Score of 480 or higher
  • ACCESS Test (for English Learners): Overall score of 4.8 or higher

Additional Language Proficiency Requirements (Must meet one of the following):

  • AP Language Exam: Score of 4 or 5 (Students qualify once AP scores are reported in July; transcripts will be updated at that time.)
  • STAMP Test: Score of 6 or higher on all sections
  • AAPPL Test: Score of I-5 or A on all sections
  • ALIRA Test (for Latin): Score of I-5 or A
  • ALTA Test: Score of ILR 1+ or ILR 2 on all sections

Testing Information

Students can take assessments in a wide range of languages, including:

  • AAPPL Tests: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazilian), Spanish
  • STAMP Tests: Hebrew, Hindi, Polish, Russian, ASL
  • ALTA Tests: Over 20 languages, including Afrikaans, Bengali, Haitian Creole, Lithuanian, Romanian, Swahili, Ukrainian, Urdu, and more

If a student’s language is not listed, they should contact the World Languages Department Chair for testing options.

Contact Information

For questions about eligibility, testing, or program benefits, please reach out to:

  • Vernon Hills High School: Tammie Black, World Languages Department Chair
  • Libertyville High School: Gabriela Martin, World Languages Department Chair