Ohio Seal of Biliteracy

What is the Seal of Biliteracy?

An Ohio Seal of Biliteracy recognizes graduating seniors who can demonstrate high levels of proficiency in English and at least one other language. Westlake High School gives this award by following state-established guidelines.

A Seal of Biliteracy is literally a statement that is added to a student's transcript at the time of graduation that reads, "is awarded the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy for demonstrating high levels of proficiency in English and ...”

To be eligible for a Seal of Biliteracy assessment, a student must be within 15 months of graduation.

To earn a Seal of Biliteracy, a student must first demonstrate proficiency in English in one of 4 ways:

Earned a proficient level or higher on Ohio’s required state tests for high school English language arts I and II; or
Earned a remediation-free score on the English and reading sections of the ACT or SAT; or
Earned a proficient level or higher on an Ohio Department of Education-approved alternative assessment (TerraNova or Iowa Test)
Earned a score of proficient or higher on the Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA).

A student must also demonstrate proficiency in another language by meeting 1 of 6 of the ODE-established criteria below. Westlake High School uses the AAPPL test for these languages. Other languages may be assessed with a different test.

Passed an Advanced Placement (AP) foreign language examination with a score of 4 or higher; or
Passed an International Baccalaureate (IB) foreign language examination with a score of 5 or higher on the Higher Level exam or a score of 6 or higher on the Standard Level exam; or
Attained a score of Intermediate High or higher in comprehension, speaking, reading and writing the foreign language based on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Proficiency Guidelines found at actfl.org/, using assessments approved by the Ohio Department of Education; or
Qualified for proficiency-based credits through Ohio’s credit flexibility program and attained a score of Intermediate High or higher in comprehension, speaking, reading and writing based on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Proficiency Guidelines using assessments approved by the Ohio Department of Education; or
Attained a score equivalent to Intermediate High or higher on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Proficiency Guidelines in interpersonal signing, presentational signing and demonstrating understanding of American Sign Language on an American Sign Language assessment approved by the Ohio Department of Education; or
Attained a score equivalent to Intermediate High or higher on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Proficiency Guidelines in interpretive reading and presentational writing on a classical language assessment approved by the Ohio Department of Education.

For additional information on Ohio's Seal of Biliteracy, please click here.