• What is the Seal of Biliteracy? 
    The Missouri Seal of Biliteracy is a nationally-recognized award that honors the achievements of graduating seniors who are able to demonstrate proficiency in two or more languages.
    Check out the Seal of Biliteracy Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iihUg8TbjrI&feature=youtu.be

    What benefit is there for students who earn the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy?
    The Missouri Seal of Biliteracy is endorsed by a number of Missouri businesses and institutions of higher education. See the link here for endorsements and incentives for earning this award.   

    Who can earn the Seal of Biliteracy?

    • Native English speaking students may acquire the second language through traditional world language classrooms, community-based programs, at home, worldly experiences or any other method attempted by the student. 
    • English learners (ELs) and other heritage language learners are also eligible. 
    • ALL Parkway students acquiring any language in addition to English is a potential awardee.  Applications for the 22-23 school year are open to current 11th and 12th graders.

    Timeline for Seal of Biliteracy 22-23  

    Handout for Seal of Bilteracy

    • Application for Seal of Biliteracy

    • Eligible Students: will be notified prior to Winter Break whether or not they are eligible to move forward to the next steps of the process. 

      • If you are eligible to move forward, you must: 

        • complete a Global Competency Project, to be submitted electronically by April 7, 2023. We strongly encourage students to begin work on this project as soon as they finish the application process.  Completed projects should be emailed to Amy Boscan at aboscan@parkwayschools.net 

        • take a proficiency exam in your language of study or heritage.  The proficiency exam will test the skills of students in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.  Students need to show proficiency (intermediate mid or above) in all 4 sections to qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy.   

          • Students will take a proficiency exam during the week of February 27 - March 3, 2023.  Exams will be coordinated at each school through the World Language Department and the school testing coordinator.

          • Exams cost $20.  

      • RETAKE/MAKE UP Week

        • Students who pass at least 2 sections of the language exam can elect to retake the 2 deficient sections during retake/makeup week.  The cost of retakes will be the responsibility of the students. 

        • Retake elections will be held March 27-31, 2023  

        • Retakes will be coordinated in each high school by the World Language department and the schools’ testing coordinator during the week of April 3-7, 2023.  

        • Students who miss the original testing week may make up the exam during this week, however, retakes will not be offered.  

      • Global Competency Project is due April 7, 2023

    • Notification of Award: Students will be notified in May if they received the Seal of Biliteracy.  Students will be recognized in each school as well as receiving a state of Missouri certificate.  

    Contact Amy Boscan, Parkway Schools, Coordinator for Global Studies & World Languages, for more information. 314-415-8462  or aboscan@parkwayschools.net