Velázquez Seal of Biliteracy Recognition is a recognition of students who have studied and achieved proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. Velázquez Seal of Biliteracy Recognition encourage students to pursuit biliteracy and align their academic studies with future employment opportunities. Schools apply the seal on the transcript or diploma of the graduate, Velázquez Seal of Biliteracy Recognition is a standard of achievement for future employers and for college admissions.

Velázquez Seal of Bilingual Competency on the diploma will be awarded to each student who meets the following criteria:

For English Competency

OR

• Successfully complete all high school graduation requirements in English, with a minimum overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0.
• Successfully complete all semesters of English with a grade of B or better
• Obtain a Proficient or Advanced Level in the 11th grade State ELA EXAM (In California: CST)

For Second Language (e.g. Spanish, Chinese, etc) Competency One of the following:

OR

• Pass Velázquez Proficiency Exam for a foreign language – recognized by major employers in the U.S.
• Receive a score of 3 or better on the AP (Advanced Placement) exam for a foreign language (Spanish).
• Complete the District approved four-year course of study in the same foreign language (Spanish), receiving an academic grade of “A” or “B”, and be approved for the certificate by the student’s current foreign language teacher (signature required).

For more information and resources please visit SealofBiliteracy.org or Californians Together.