Implementing a SEAL of Biliteracy

California State Seal of Biliteracy:The First in the NationShelly Spiegel-ColemanCalifornians Together

California Department of EducationEL Accountability and Leadership ConferenceDecember 5, 20111Purpose of todays session

To encourage implementation of the Seal of BiliteracyTo prepare to design and implement a Seal of Biliteracy and/or pathway awards appropriate to the needs and interest of your local contexts To be familiar with the new State Seal of BiliteracyWorkshop agendaBackground/History/DefinitionPurposePathway AwardsCriteria and assessment processesThe Award itselfStrategy, partners, policy and supportExamples IdeasResourcesA time in history..Era of English-only politics

Advent of the 21st century interconnected, global and diverse

Rich language diversity but language lossEvery era has to askAre our schools preparing our students for the world they are entering?Are we teaching and valuing the skills and type of knowledge students will need in order to function, thrive and lead in this era?You can tell the values of a society by what it counts. We count what matters to us. Albert Schweitzer

Are our schools measuring the outcomes that are important to us?Mastery of two or more languages.Cognitive benefitsLabor market advantagesLive respectfully in a diverse societyNew relationships and understandingConnection to family and heritageEducational benefitsSocietal benefits.Economic benefitsMakes cultural life more vibrantNational security and international diplomacyCommunity bridgersIsnt English sufficient?

6000+ languages in the world200 nations recognize more than 2 official languages10 link languages of wider communication (Arabic, Bengali, English, French, Hindi, Malay, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish)Notes

There is a list of the world's languages, called "Ethnologue" (Grimes 1996). There are 6,500 living languages listed. Of these, 6,000 have registered population figures. 52% of the 6,000 languages are spoken by less than 10,000 people, and 28% are spoken by less than 1,000 people. 83% of them are limited to single countries. The ten largest languages in the world are the first languages for nearly half of the world's population.

Here is a list of the top 10 languages in February 1999 according to Ethnologue: 1. Mandarin 885 million speakers2. Spanish 332 million speakers3. English 322 million speakers4. Bengali 189 million speakers5. Hindi 182 million speakers6. Portuguese 170 million speakers6. Russian 170 million speakers8. Japanese 125 million speakers9. German 98 million speakers10. Wu 77 million speakers

It is difficult to give an exact figure of the number of languages that exist in the world, because it is not always easy to define what a language is. The difference between a language and a dialect is not always clear-cut. It has nothing to do with similarity of vocabulary, grammar, or pronunciation. Sometimes, the distinctions are based purely on geographical, political, or religious reasons. It is usually estimated that the number of languages in the world varies between 3,000 and 8,000.

http://www.ling.gu.se/projekt/sprakfrageladan/english/sprakfakta/eng-sprak-i-varlden.html9In the United States, schools produce monolingualismVast majority of children in the United States will study in only one language EnglishWorld language instruction has decreased in past decadeOnly half of high school students in U.S. take even one year of a world language.Fastest ever rates of language loss

Which of the following are present in your school, community, or district?"

Small numbers or decrease in number of students studying world languages.

Small numbers or decrease in English learners receiving bilingual program.

Subtractive patterns of language loss: As students become fluent in English, they lose their home language.

Attitudes that only English is needed.

A growing movement to encourage, & celebrate the attainment of biliteracyGrowth of dual language programs (TWBI)National Education Goals 1994Immersion programsHeritage language programs in schools and community heritage language programsForeign language/world language programsExtracurricular clubs, travel, etc.Development of the Seal of Biliteracy

Student VoicesDistribute the quotes from the envelopesEach person read their quote without any comments.After everyone has read their quote discuss which messages resonated with you.What is a SEAL of Biliteracy?An award granted to high school seniors upon graduation certifying attainment of mastery of two or more languages (one of which is English)

(includes American Sign Language)

Steps for getting startedClarify the purposeDetermine which awards to giveDefine the criteria and assessment processesDevelop policyConsider strategy, partners and support needed for successPublicize and recruit applicantsDesign the awards and plan the celebrationSan FranciscoSchool Board Resolution Our vision is to prepare students to become global citizens in multilingual/ multicultural world by providing every student the opportunity to graduate proficient in English and at least one other language through participation in a well-articulated PreK-12 world language program.Los Angeles Unified School DistrictBiliteracy awards advance the districts commitment that every student graduates prepared and equipped with the knowledge and skills to participate successfully in college, career, and a diverse 21st century society. Additionally, the awards build upon the rich linguistic and cultural assets of the district and communicate that mastery of two or more languages is an important skill that is advantageous in an ever-shrinking global society.Ysleta, Texas School Districtgoal statementAll students who enroll in our schools will graduate from high school fluent in two or more languages and prepared and inspired to be successful in a four year college or university.Why might your school or district want a Seal of Biliteracy? To recognize achievement and hard work To encourage students to study languages To affirm and encourage developing home language To establish the value of bilingualism To protect and/or build language programs To build more respectful inter-group relationships Other

Is a SEAL at graduation enough?Created a system of pathway awards from preschool through high school recognizing benchmarks towards biliteracy

Pathway awards are locally defined, based upon decision-points along the school journey and purpose/need

Pathway awardsAttainment/ AchievementServiceParticipationPreschool3rd gradeEnd of elementaryEnd of middle schoolReflection Where along the pathway of schooling do you think its important to assert the value of biliteracy with some kind of award? Why?We can add, In your response, please share at what grade levels you think it should be implemented.23California The First in The NationAB 815 (Brownley) creates the State Seal of Biliteracy

Students will be recognized by their districts/county offices and the State.

California Department of Education Contact Person:

Nancy Zarenda, SEAL@cde.ca.govEnglish criteria: State Seal of BiliteracyAll ELA requirements for HS diploma with 2.0 GPA

Proficient+ on standards test in English in 11th grade

If L1 is language other than English, attain early advanced proficiency on CELDT

Demonstrated proficiency in languages other than EnglishAP score 3+ or IB score or 4+Four years of study in same foreign language with 3.0Pass a district-established foreign language exam at proficient level or higherPass foreign governments approved language exam with certificate of competency (not an option for State Seal)SAT II foreign language examination with score of 600+

Local assessment components in addition to State Seal RequirementsOn-demand writing with rubricOral interview with rubricApplicationPortfoliosLogging hoursSelf-reflectionEnd of preschool

Purposes:

To encourage enrollment in kindergartens with language programs

To shape initial attitudes

To inform children about language diversityPreschool! (logging hours, self-reflection and demonstration)Age appropriate oral language skills and vocabulary in the home language Active engagement with texts Age appropriate comprehension of home languageExposure to second language & some ability to reproduce the language and use it for basic

Elementary School: Bilingual Service AwardAge appropriate oral/listening proficiency in language other than EnglishAge appropriate oral/listening proficiency in EnglishActive use of both languagesLog of hours of service using bilingual skillsPositive attitudes and understanding of benefits of bilingualism

Elementary schoolBiliteracy achievement awardProficient+ on standards based test in English Language Arts

Demonstrated proficiency in all four language domains in a language other than EnglishRedwood City Celebrationbased on 2nd and 3rd grade scoresRIBBONS:

TROPHY:

Proficient or above in both CST and STS for language arts

Proficient or above in both CST and STS for math

Proficient or above in both CST and STS in BOTH language arts and math

Middle School: Pursuit of Bilingualism Award

At least two years of Foreign Language class or Native Speakers class with passing gradesStandards test in English at proficient or better Oral presentation about bilingual careersEssay on two cultural events

Middle School: Biliteracy Attainment AwardProficient on standards-based test or district assessment in languages other then EnglishOral proficiency in language other than EnglishAverage grade of B or above in English classes & World languages/Native language classesWritten and oral presentations about bilingualism or cultural experiences

Middle School: Biliteracy Attainment AwardFor English learners redesignation to RFEPEnglish standards-based test at Proficient+

Awarding BiliteracyWhich of these awards would you like to focus on implementing?

PreschoolElementary School: Bilingual Service AwardElementary School: Biliteracy Achievement awardMiddle School: Pursuit of Bilingualism AwardMiddle School: Biliteracy Attainment AwardPolicy: Making it official.Working committees/Task ForcesBoard resolution/policyAdministrative guidelines tied to existing goalsSchool site program guidelinesCounty or regional office policyState level policyRecruiting students/publicizing

Importance of applicationStudents need to declare it is important to themStudents need to be able to reflect on the value of bilingualism for careers and futureRole of Teachers, Administrators & CounselorsInform students about the opportunity

Assist students in determining eligibility

Letters of recommendation

Serve as an assessor

Inform parents39Design the Awards Californians TogetherMedallions

Seals

Design the Award

Sweetwater Union High School District Stole

Velazquez Press Medallion

Action Plan and TimelineCreate the policy and criteriaDetermine how you will give the awardTimeframe for assessmentsAdvertising and outreach to studentsAssess eligibilityCreate the awardsGet sponsors/partnersDesign and plan the awards celebrationPUBLICITYGlendale Unified School Districts

Since 1992Award includes: certificate, medallion, special seal on diploma and some trophiesDistrict developed assessments in 5 languages other options include: AP exam (3 or better), successful completion of four year course in foreign language; passing score on foreign governments approved language examAlmost 2,500 students have received the award

LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICTLAUSD Biliteracy AwardsPathway to Biliteracy Awards (5th and 8th grades)Seal of Biliteracy Awards (12th grade)Promote bilingualism and biliteracy as valuable 21st century skillsStatewide movement to promote development of literacy in English and in another language4747Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, the Pathway to Biliteracy and the Seal of Biliteracy Awards will be given to LAUSD students who demonstrate excellence in English and in a language other than English. The Pathway to Biliteracy Awards are given to students upon completion of 5th and 8th grade. The Seal of Biliteracy Award is given to students at the completion of 12th grade. The awards are collectively referred to as the LAUSD Biliteracy Awards. Pathway to Biliteracy Awards include a medallion and a certificate. Seal of Biliteracy Awards include a seal on the students diploma, an honor cord to be worn during graduation, and a notation on the students transcript.

These awards advance the Districts commitment that every LAUSD student graduates prepared and equipped with the knowledge and skills to participate successfully in college, career, and a diverse 21st century society. They also build upon the rich linguistic and cultural assets of our District and communicate that the mastery of two or more languages is an important skill that is advantageous in an ever-shrinking global society.

LAUSD joins a state-wide movement spearheaded by Californians Together to promote the development of literacy in two or more languages. Some other districts that are implementing biliteracy awards: San Francisco USD, San Jose USD, Glendale USD, Ventura USD, Santa Monica/Malibu USD, El Segundo USD, Pasadena USD, Azusa USD, Baldwin Park USD, among others.Stanislaus County Office of EducationStanislaus County Office of Education, in partnership with participating districts, presents a multilingual seal for placement on a diploma to each high school student who demonstrates proficiency in English and another world or target language.To make their own statement of valuesTo encourage and support districts in awarding the SEALMuch research went into investigating how other districts, states and nations verify language proficiency .

You will find the words Target language throughout our paperwork and it is being used to indicate a world language other than English that will be assessed in order to earn the award.48Defining the proficiency levelRecipients of this award are required to:express themselves with clarity and efficacy orally and in writing submit a portfolio or LinguaFolio that demonstrates the ability to prepare short, polished pieces in Englishprovide an on-demand writing sample in the target languagerespond orally in both English and the target language in an interviewThe assessment process is very important to our system.Read slide

By efficacy, we mean they are persuasive, descriptive, and proficient for the assignment, topic and audience.

We will ask for the linguafolio before the interview and the interview will ensure that we are getting a sample that is completed by the student applying for the Seal.This may be a natural place to clarify what has been covered. Are there any question so far?At this time please look at the overview with the blue highlight on the words goal, Award Components, etc.A great tool to pass out to provide an abbreviated overview49

Resources for the LinguaFolio

European Language Portfoliohttp://culture2.coe.int/portfolio/LinguaFolio 5-State Pilothttp://www.doe.virginia.gov/linguafolio/LinguaFolio Nebraskahttp://www.nde.state.ne.us/FORLG/PreK16.htmIndiana World Languages site with LinguaFolio linkshttp://www.doe.state.in.us/opd/wrldlangs/

50Implementation What is your area of greatest concern with implementing a SEAL of Biliteracy?

Getting buy-in to the ideaLogistics of getting it startedCost and staffingOther

Plan and strategize for success..Reflection and discussion: Concerns, barriersReflection and discussion: supports, opportunities, alliesImplications for WHO should be involved in the planning, for which policy bodies should be involved in granting the awards, and for the framing and rationaleWhat ripple effects do we hope for.?

Students who value bilingualism, their heritage language and other languagesStudents who understand the benefits of bilingualism - including the present and future applications in their livesStudents who have and take opportunities to develop mastery of two or more languagesSchools that provide strong language programs

53The momentum is building!Endorsements from major educator groups, chambers of commerce and businesses61 school districts now awarding Seals and/or pathway awards20 additional districts/county offices in process New state legislation! AB 815 (Brownley) The State Seal of Biliteracy ProgramWebinar on State Seal of Biliteracy Feb. 15, 2012 Schools Moving Up West EdCalifornians Together23 Statewide parent, professional and civil rights organizationsFocus on improving policy and practice for the education of English learnersKeep us informed of your progress in developing and awarding Seals of Biliteracy or pathway awards!www.californianstogether.org/reportsSeal of Biliteracy BulletinWebinar Implementing Seal of Biliteracyhttp://www.schoolsmovingup.net/cs/smu/view/e/4895 - Schools Moving Up - West Ed 3/10/11

The world is richer than it is possible to express in any one language.Ilya PrigogineNobel Prize winning scientistSection IISection 2

From Baldwin ParkFrom Azusa Unified School District

From Glendale Unified School District

Students for the 21st century!

For more information:

shelly@californianstogether.orglolaurieo@gmail.com