Wright Tech students outpace district in earning Seal of Biliteracy

The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given to students who have attained proficiency in 2 or more languages by high school graduation. Prior to this year, only Seniors were able to take this assessment. This is the first year it was opened up to 10^th and 11^th graders as well. This initiative celebrates the diversity of our schools and the languages our students speak, while also preparing students for the global labor market. 

 

Students who receive this Seal are awarded 2 World Language credits, and many colleges and universities offer students World Language credits as well. 

 

This is a rigorous test that assesses a student in the 4 language domains: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students must pass all 4 parts in order to be eligible for the Seal of Biliteracy. Students must pass at a level comparable to Intermediate Mid on the American Council of Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines.

 

Students must also pass 4 years of high school English in order to receive the Seal of Biliteracy. 

 

At Wright Tech, 127 students took the test in Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, French, and Russian. Of the 127 students who tested, 95 students earned their Seals of Biliteracy in Spanish, French, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese. 

 

In the CTECS district, 750 students earned the Seal of Biliteracy; 95, or about 13%,  of those are from Wright Tech, the smallest school in the district.

 

“Our students voluntarily signed up to take this test, honoring their diverse heritage languages and cultures. They worked diligently for many hours to earn this prestigious award. I am so proud of each and every one of them and their achievements,” said Tanya Fensore, TESOL Instructor. Fensore and Department Head Marianne Nunez coordinated the testing of students at the school.