Recently, the Massachusetts Department of Secondary and Elementary Education adopted the State Seal of Biliteracy, which promotes the continued study of all languages, and recognizes graduating high school seniors who are biliterate at the time of graduation. Qualifying students receive the State Seal of Biliteracy on their diplomas acknowledging their proficiency in both English and another language.

Ludlow High School Principal, Lisa Nemeth, is proud to announce that for the first time Ludlow High School will be awarding the State Seal of Biliteracy to graduating seniors in the class of 2019 in the form of a seal that will appear on the student’s transcript and diploma.  In addition, biliterate students will also wear special cords at commencement to highlight their proof of proficiency in multiple languages.

When learning of this opportunity, Modern Languages department chair, Tammy Cook, was eager to offer  Ludlow High School students this special distinction. After researching state requirements, and selecting an appropriate tool to determine students' proficiency levels, all AP and level 5 foreign language students were formally invited to test (voluntary).   

Cook explained that on April 1'st, a combination of fourteen AP and level five foreign language students representing Spanish, Portuguese, and French, took the AAPPL 2.0 test to determine if they would qualify for the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy. Students' proficiency levels in the foreign language they have been studying for 5 years were assessed in reading, writing, speaking, and listening over a period of approximately 2.5 hours. In order to qualify, students needed to score at an Intermediate/High level in all four domain

“Several candidates placed so high that they will be awarded the Seal of Biliteracy with distinction," shared a very proud Cook.

“I am excited that our students will be recognized for their academic achievements in both English and a foreign language,” said Nemeth. “This recognition will now be afforded to all students who meet the criteria, as a statement of their accomplishment.”

“We live in a globally connected world where the ability to speak multiple languages is a distinct competitive advantage for our students in both the academic and working environment,” said LPS Superintendent, Dr. Todd Gazda.  “I'm incredibly proud of the hard work of our graduating seniors being recognized with the Biliteracy Seal this year.”

“We look forward to integrating in English Language students next year who demonstrate proficiency in English and another language along with our students of foreign languages,” continued Cook. “ It's long past time that students who have pursued a foreign language for 5 years, and achieved a high level of proficiency, receive the recognition and distinction they deserve!”