Seal of Biliteracy

Celebrating Biliteracy in OUSD

The Oakland Unified School District recognizes students who are building linguistic proficiency in English and at least one other world language. The Biliteracy Pathway Awards are awarded to eligible students in Kindergarten, Third grade, Fifth Grade, and Eighth Grade , and are designed to track progress toward earning the State Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation in 12th grade.

OUSD recognizes the value of bilingualism, biliteracy and cultural competency. In addition to serving as an important 21st century educational and career skill, biliteracy strengthens intergroup relationships, increases job options, affirms the value of diversity, promotes civic participation and honors the cultures of our community.

How can my students earn a Biliteracy Pathway Award?

See our Biliteracy Pathway Award overview for the most updated information.

How can my students earn a Seal of Biliteracy?

California State Seal of Biliteracy certifies student attainment of a high level of proficiency in two or more languages. The seal is placed on the recipient's high school diploma as a celebration of multilingualism and the attainment of language-based skills. Eligibility requires proficiency in English and one or more languages other than English.

The English criteria include:

• Completion of all English language arts requirements for graduation with an overall GPA of 2.0 or above.
• Pass the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress for English Language Arts administered in grade 11, at or above the “standard met” achievement level.
• For English learners, attain the level of demonstrating English language proficiency on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California.

Proficiency in a language other than English is determined by one of the following:

• Pass a World Language Advanced Placement exam with a score of 3 or higher.
• Pass an International Baccalaureate exam with a score of 4 or higher.
• Successful completion of a four-year high school course of study in a world language and attain an overall GPA of 3.0 or above and pass a rigorous oral exam.
• Pass a school district language exam such as the AVANT that, at a minimum, assesses speaking, reading, and writing, passing at a proficient level or higher.