Seal of Biliteracy

Westmont High School (Community Unit School District 201) has established a program to recognize high school seniors who have attained a high level of proficiency in one or more languages besides English. Two honors are available: the Seal of Biliteracy and the Commendation toward Biliteracy.  

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). The Commendation toward Biliteracy is awarded to students whose second language proficiency is rated Intermediate-Low or Intermediate-Mid. Language proficiency testing will take place in the spring at no cost to students, parents, or guardians. A student meeting the requirements for the Seal of Biliteracy or Commendation toward Biliteracy will receive this designation on their transcript and in the diploma.

To Qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy, students must:

• Earn a minimum score of a 480 on the EBRW (Evidence-Based Reading & Writing) portion of the SAT, OR
• Earn a composite score of at least (21) or a College-ready benchmark for the ELA subject area of at least (20) on the ACT, OR
• Earn a minimum overall score of a 4.8 on the ACCESS for ELLs exam (only students who are English Language Learners qualify for this exam)

AND

• Have earned a 4 or 5 in the Advanced Placement language exam, OR
• Earned a minimum score of Intermediate High on the language being tested
• No seals will be awarded to any student taking a test outside of CUSD 201. Any private or outside organization testing may be considered for the CUSD 201 Seal of Biliteracy Program.

For more information, please contact the World Language Department or Ms. Kassir.