Illinois State and Global Seal of Biliteracy Awards
The Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy and the Global Seal of Biliteracy are both opportunities for PCHS world language students to earn recognition for their language proficiency skills in their first language as well as an additional language. Please see below for the different levels of awards offered to students upon assessment and requirements.
STAMP4S Assessment
For both the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy and the Global Seal of Biliteracy programs, students must take the STAMP4S proficiency exam. We encourage students to take this exam every year they are enrolled in a Spanish or French course at Providence. To make scheduling easier, beginning in the 2023-24 school year, Spanish 3 and Spanish 4 levels (academic and honors) will be offered the opportunity to take this exam during school hours. For all other levels, testing will be offered before or after school. Testing is administered during the 2nd semester of each academic year.
The STAMP4S assessment cost is assumed by the student and is added to the FACTS tuition account upon registration for the exam. The assessment varies in cost each year, but it ranges from $20-$30.
Award Levels
See the table below to view the different award levels and proficiency requirements. All recognitions will be awarded upon graduation from Providence Catholic High School, regardless of the academic year the assessment was taken. For example, a sophomore could reach the Intermediate High proficiency level and “earn” the Illinois State Seal, however, per program guidelines, the student will not officially receive the award until their graduation.
Program/Award
|
Proficiency Benchmark –
2nd Language
|
Proficiency Benchmark –
1st Language (English)
|
| Global Seal – Working Fluency Award |
Advanced Low |
21 ACT Score on English Section* |
| Illinois State Seal |
Intermediate High |
18 ACT Score on English Section |
| Global Seal – Functional Fluency Award |
Intermediate Mid |
18 ACT Score on English Section |
| Illinois State Commendation Toward Biliteracy |
Intermediate Low |
18 ACT Score on English Section |
Benefits
These award programs offer a multitude of benefits to students, including, but not limited to, the opportunity:
- To evaluate their progress during 4 years of language study or home language development.
- For college credit and fast track students towards a minor or major in that language (State Seal only). See below for more information.
- To receive a statement of award on their high school transcript. A sticker is placed on the high school diploma for State Seal and State Commendation Awards.
- To mention the award in applications for scholarships and to university and master’s programs.
To include the award in resumes, LinkedIn profiles and more.
College Credit – State Seal of Biliteracy
“Per 105 ILCS 5/2-3.159, all Illinois public colleges and universities must accept the State Seal of Biliteracy as equivalent to two years of foreign language coursework taken during high school for admissions purposes and must also award course credit for the State Seal of Biliteracy based on foreign language course equivalencies.” (Source: Illinois State Board of Education website. For more information, please view this PDF)
Resources
Questions about how to take advantage of these award programs? Contact Mrs. Lara DeVries, World Language Department Chair and Seal of Biliteracy Coordinator at ldevries@providencecatholic.org.