Seal of Biliteracy

According to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), “The State Seal of Biliteracy is a recognition given to graduating high school students who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in English and in reading, writing, listening and speaking in another language.”

Two levels of recognition are awarded, and the level achieved by a student is determined by that student’s performance on a state-approved standardized assessment to measure English proficiency and proficiency in a foreign language. The two levels are:

  1. State Seal of Biliteracy
  2. State Commendation toward Biliteracy

The State Seal of Biliteracy and Commendation are placed on the student’s diploma and transcript as an official credential certified by ISBE. State colleges and universities issue college credit for the State Seal of Biliteracy, and many private colleges and universities offer credit, as well.  

To be eligible for the Seal/Commendation of Biliteracy, students must have been enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level or Honors language courses, must speak another language, and/or participated in the English Learner (EL) program. Qualifying students will take the required assessments in English or another language during their senior year on designated testing dates during the school day.  Participation in the Seal/Commendation of Biliteracy is completely free to students, and all required tests are given to students at no charge.

The World Language Department Chairs at Addison Trail (Amy Robles) and at Willowbrook (Katie Strand) facilitate testing and will communicate details to interested and qualifying students in the fall and spring of each school year.  

For more information about the Seal of Biliteracy, please visit https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Illinois-State-Seal-of-Biliteracy.aspx. For questions, please contact Erica Craig, District 88 Director of Biliteracy, at ecraig@dupage88.net or 630-458-4542.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION (ISBE) SEAL OF BILITERACY WEBPAGE

2022-23 Seal of Biliteracy testing details

  • Seal of Biliteracy testing will take place on Feb. 10 at Willowbrook.

  • Seal of Biliteracy testing will take place on Feb. 22 at Addison Trail.

  • For questions or more information about Seal of Biliteracy testing, contact: