Seal of Biliteracy

The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by a school, district, or state in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. 

The North Dakota Seal of Biliteracy (NDSB) is an award presented to graduating students who have demonstrated proficiency in a language in addition to English. 

The NDSB is established to recognize students and provide an identifier of this accomplishment for employers and post-secondary institutions. The NDSB serves to inspire the implementation of biliteracy programs and pathways of language development in districts across the state and help districts demonstrate value in diversity/culture.

The NDSB is awarded by the NDDPI according to the specific criteria presented in the guidance document below. Each qualifying student will receive a physical foil seal to affix to their high school diploma, a letter and certificate from teh State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and an identifier on their eTranscript. 

The deadline for applications for the school year is June 30th. 

Requirements

Students in German will take the AAPPL test and need to have ELA test score to show English proficiency. Students will also demonstrate their Sociocultural Competency in an essay. 

The Process

• Students will first apply to take the test and agree to the fee (2025-2026 $22.50). Frau Dvorak will take this information and apply through the testing agency. 

• In the spring...
  Students will go through a systems check with their computers and go through the practice tests. 

• Frau Dvorak will give logins and passwords to site facilitators.

• Someone in the school will proctor the exam. 

• The exam is made of four parts, reading, writing, listening, speaking. The test can be taken in parts. It does not need to be completed in one sitting. Plan for an hour for each, but it might not be needed. 

• After tests are completed, Frau Dvorak will release test scores as soon as they are available. (1-2 weeks)
  If a student does not receive higher than I1, they may retest if they would like to.
  If a student does score higher than I1 (for silver) or I5 (for gold), they may proceed to the next step. 

• The students must show cultural competency. This will be shared through an essay, rubric follows. The essay may discuss a number of topics and must be typed and in English. Please follow the instructions further down. 

• The students must also show they are knowledgable in English. Below is also a chart published by ND DPI that shows different ways students may do this. 

STAMP: This is another test option (not currently being used by Frau Dvorak) that has some resources. Look at level 4 for silver and level 6 for gold

English Proficiency options

Sociocultural Competency Essay

Reflection

Please reflect on your experiences with culture. When we think about culture, we think about people's perspectives (attitudes, values, beliefs, viewpoints), practices (social interactions, traditions, procedures, ceremonies), and products (books, tools, foods, laws, music, games).

Tell what new insights about culture you have gained from your experiences. You may want to compare and contrast your own culture with others. Cite specific examples from your own culture with others. Cite specific examples from your experience and/or your travel abroad to support your ideas. 

Your response should be at least 500 words in English. Submit an electronic copy with your application. 

Rubric: Pay close attention to the quality and depth of writing that is required.