Maryland’s New Seal of Biliteracy Making Its Debut in Washington County

Acknowledges Students with Proficiency in Two Languages

Baltimore — Top language students in Washington County tonight will be the first Maryland students to receive the State’s new Seal of Biliteracy.

The seal is being awarded for the first time this spring to Maryland graduates who have demonstrated high levels of proficiency in English and one or more other world languages. The seal becomes part of the transcript and diploma for qualifying students at graduation.

Seventeen Washington County students will receive the award for proficiency in English and Spanish, and one student in English and French. These talented language students attend Boonsboro, North Hagerstown, Smithsburg and South Hagerstown High Schools. Dr. Boyd Michael, Interim Superintendent, Washington County Public Schools, and members of the Board of Education will present the students with certificates as well as graduation cords in Maryland colors of black and gold. The Seal of Biliteracy will be designated on the students’ transcripts and they will receive recognition in their schools’ graduation programs.

Other school systems participating in Seal of Biliteracy Program for 2017 are Carroll, Cecil, Kent, Prince George’s, Montgomery, St. Mary’s, and Washington Counties.

The Maryland Seal of Biliteracy bill was approved by the Maryland General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan in 2016. This is part of a national initiative, with the Seal of Biliteracy now being awarded in 25 states and the District of Columbia.

For more information about the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy program, please visit
http://marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DCAA/World-Languages/index.asp