The Power of Biliteracy at San José Unified

San José Unified is proud to offer the State Seal of Biliteracy, a recognition that honors high school seniors who demonstrate academic proficiency in English and at least one other language. More than just a mark of achievement, the Seal of Biliteracy represents a student’s commitment to academic excellence, cultural identity, and global readiness.

The State Seal of Biliteracy is a formal recognition awarded to graduating seniors in California who have attained a high level of proficiency in both English and another language. Students who earn the seal receive an embossed gold insignia on their high school diploma, a certificate of recognition, and a graduation cord presented during their school’s end-of-year awards ceremony. This honor signals to colleges, universities, and employers that a student is prepared to communicate and collaborate in a multilingual world. It is a celebration of years of hard work in language development and academic achievement.

To earn the Seal of Biliteracy, students must meet specific state-defined academic criteria in both English and another language. In English, students may qualify by completing all English Language Arts graduation requirements with a minimum 3.0 GPA or by earning qualifying scores on assessments such as the SBAC, AP English Language and Composition exam, IB English exam, or the SAT. To demonstrate proficiency in another language, students can complete four years of world language study with a minimum 3.0 GPA or earn a qualifying score on an AP or IB exam in that language. English Learners must also demonstrate English proficiency by scoring a four on the Oral Language Composite of the ELPAC. Students who opt out of the SBAC assessment in grade 11 are not eligible to earn the Seal of Biliteracy.

Each year, eligible students across our district work toward this prestigious distinction. Stephanie Tello Sevilla, a senior at Gunderson High School, is currently on track to receive the Seal of Biliteracy in recognition of her proficiency in both English and Spanish. Her academic record, strong language skills, and dedication to learning make her a strong candidate for this honor. 

This past summer, Stephanie participated in an academic program at UC Berkeley. She shared that her bilingualism played a crucial role in that experience, enabling her to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and contribute meaningfully to group work and discussions. She also credits her bilingual skills with deepening her connection to her family and heritage, “Being bilingual has helped me connect with my family and community on a deeper level, and it’s given me more confidence academically.”

Stephanie encourages younger students to seize the opportunity early and view their bilingual abilities as strengths, not just in school, but in life. Stephanie offers a final piece of advice for incoming high school students: “Don’t wait until junior or senior year to think about it. If you already speak another language, that’s something to be proud of—build on it! Talk to your counselor about the requirements and stay consistent with your language classes. This recognition shows colleges and future employers that you’ve worked hard and that you’re adaptable, which is a big deal.”

San José Unified offers a pathway to biliteracy that starts well before high school. In elementary school, eligible fifth-grade students may receive the Biliteracy Attainment Award or the Bilingual Service and Participation Award. In middle school, eighth-grade students may earn the Pursuit of Bilingualism Award, signaling continued progress toward language proficiency.

By high school, students are supported in meeting the academic and language requirements necessary to qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy by the end of their senior year. Counselors and administrators help students monitor their progress and plan to meet all eligibility criteria.

Offering the Seal of Biliteracy aligns with San José Unified’s mission to honor linguistic diversity, promote academic excellence, and prepare students for success in a global society. It recognizes the talents of multilingual students, values the role of home languages and heritage, and reinforces the importance of high-quality world language instruction in our schools.

The Seal also provides students with a tangible advantage—on college applications, in scholarship opportunities, and in future career pathways that prioritize multilingual communication. Parents and students interested in learning more are encouraged to speak with their school site counselors or visit the San José Unified website for details. To hear more about Stephanie’s journey in earning the Seal of Biliteracy visit our social media or click here. 

Earning the Seal of Biliteracy is more than just meeting a set of requirements—it’s a celebration of who our students are and the futures they are ready to lead.