Beardstown CUSD 15

Seal of Biliteracy

Beardstown CUSD 15 has implemented the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy and the Commendation toward Biliteracy during the 2022-2023 school year for students who attain proficiency in English and another language.  This seal will appear on the transcript and diploma of each eligible graduating senior and is a definite statement of accomplishment to future employers, colleges, and universities.  

Our language programs aim to develop students into biliterate adults who can actively contribute in our global world.  The Seal of Biliteracy and Commendation toward Biliteracy affirm our commitment to these goals.  These awards encourage all students to study other languages.  Additionally , these awards increase employment and earning opportunities through the formal recognition of language and biliteracy skills.  

Public colleges and universities in Illinois are required to accept the State Seal of Biliteracy as equivalent to 2 years of foreign language coursework taken during high school and award college credit if a student’s high school transcript indicates that he or she will be receiving or has received the State Seal of Biliteracy.  See Illinois School Code 105 ILCS5/2-3.159 for more information.  

A student will receive the Seal of Biliteracy if he/she attains a composite score (including listening, reading, speaking, and writing) equivalent to “Intermediate High” on the STAMP 4S language exam AND demonstrates English proficiency on either the SAT (at least cut score of 480), ACT (at least composite English score of 21), or ACCESS (composite 4.8 or higher) Engexam during high school.  A student will receive the Commendation toward Biliteracy if he/she fails to meet the requirements of the Seal but attains a composite score (including listening, reading, speaking, and writing) equivalent to “Intermediate Low” on the STAMP 4S AND demonstrates English proficiency on either the SAT (at least cut score of 480), ACT (at least composite English score of 21) , or ACCESS (composite 4.8 or higher) exams.

All costs associated with the program are paid for by the district.  For more information regarding the Seal of Biliteracy, visit https://www.isbe.net/sealofbiliteracy or contact the Beardstown Language Acquisition Administrator, Tammee Petersen at petersent@beardstown.com .