NYS Seal of Biliteracy
The New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages, in addition to English.
The intent of the NYSSB is to encourage the study of languages; identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employers; provide universities with additional information about applicants seeking admission; prepare students with twenty-first-century skills; recognize the value of foreign and native language instruction in schools; and affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society.
The New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages, in addition to English. The intent of the NYSSB is to encourage the study of languages; identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employers; provide universities with additional information about applicants seeking admission; prepare students with twenty-first-century skills; recognize the value of foreign and native language instruction in schools; and affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society.
Requirements to Earn the NYSSB
4+1 Pathway exams in world languages are now available in 14 languages: American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
These are special Checkpoint B exams that, when passed, fulfill the world language exam requirement of the Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation AND can be used as the fifth Regents Examination required for graduation.
For more information on these 4+1 Pathway examinations in world languages, please visit this site.
Criteria to Earn the NewYork State Seal of Biliteracy
Criteria to Earn the NewYork State Seal of Biliteracy
Approved Assessments in World Languages
Culminating Rubrics
Culminating Rubrics Category 1-2
Culminating Rubric Category 3-4
Culminating Rubrics Classical Languages
NYSSB Guidance Toolkit
The NYSSB Guidance Toolkit contains a series of self-guiding modules consisting of agendas, videos, presentation slides, and supporting documentation, can be used by the Seal of Biliteracy Committee within a single school or among schools in a consortium looking to implement, improve, or expand their programs.