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 (ONE of the following):

  • ACT college-ready benchmark for English or a composite score of at least 21 
  • SAT Score of 480 in English Language Arts (EBRW)
  • ACCESS Score of 4.8 Overall (ELs only)
  • AP English Language and Composition score of 4
  • AAPPL Test Score of Intermediate-5 or Advanced in all 4 domains
  • Final GPA of 3.0 in transitional coursework in ELA in partnership with a community college and ELA dual credit course

World Language (ONE of the following):

  • 4 or 5 on the AP Language and Culture Exam
  • AAPPL Test score of Intermediate-5 or Advanced in all 4 domains 

Commendation toward Biliteracy, seniors must:

  • English (ONE of the following):
  • ACT college-ready benchmark for English or a composite score of at least 21 
  • SAT Score of 480 in English (EBRW)
  • ACCESS Literacy Score of 3.5 on literacy or above (ELs only)
  • AP English Language and Composition score of 3
  • Final GPA of 3.0 in transitional coursework in ELA in partnership with a community college and ELA dual credit course
  • AAPPL Test Score between Intermediate-1 and Intermediate-4 in all 4 domains

World Language (ONE of the following):

  • 3 on the AP Language and Culture Exam
  • AAPPL Test score between Intermediate-1 and Intermediate-4 in all 4 domains

Course Credit for the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy at Public Colleges and Universities in Illinois

Since the Seal of Biliteracy program was introduced at Westmont High School, our students have received the Seal of Biliteracy or the Commendation towards Biliteracy in the following languages:

Assessments in many other languages are also available. For more information, please contact Laura Lopez at llopez@cusd201.org or 630-468-8126.