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 in addition to 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 level is rated at Intermediate-Low or Intermediate-Mid. Language proficiency testing will take place in the spring and at no cost to students or parents.

A student meeting the requirements for the Seal of Biliteracy or Commendation toward Biliteracy will receive this designation on his/her transcript as well as in the diploma.

To qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy, seniors must:

  • English (ONE of the following):
    ACT Score composite of 21 or 18 on the English Subject Area Test
    SAT Score of 480 in English Language Arts (EBRW)
    ACCESS Score of 4.8 Overall
    AP English Language and Composition score of 5
    AAPPL Test Score of Intermediate-5 or Advanced in all 4 domains

  • 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 
    Portfolio option for languages in which tests are not available

To qualify for the Commendation toward Biliteracy, seniors must:

  • English (ONE of the following):
    ACT Score composite of 21 or 18 on the English Subject Area Test
    SAT Score of 480 in English (EBRW)
    ACCESS Literacy Score of 3.5 or above
    AP English Language and Composition score of 4
    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
    Portfolio option for languages in which tests are not available

For more information, please contact Laura Lopez at llopez@cusd201.org or 630-468-8126.