The Minnesota Legislature started the Minnesota Bilingual and Multilingual Seals Program in 2014 as part of the Learning English for Academic Proficiency and Success (LEAPS) Act. 

The bilingual seal program recognizes students in grades 10, 11, and 12, who demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. 

The seal is awarded upon graduation with the addition of a notation on the student's transcript. Students must also complete the English Language Arts credits required for graduation.

Students have three years to request college credit after high school graduation while enrolled.

Benefits of receiving your bilingual seal include:

• Earn college credit *
• Save money by getting college credits waived
• Skill to highlight on your resume
• Provide an edge in a competitive job market
• Open doors to volunteer opportunities
• Notation on your high school transcript
• Confirm your competence in another language

* The number of credits varies depending on the institution.

Four areas of language usage are assessed - listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

The following students should consider taking the assessment:

• Students whose first language is not English
• English Language Learners
• Students studying a world language
• Heritage language learners

District 622 offers the bilingual assessment in the following languages:

The bilingual assessment will take place on Friday, May 14, at both North and Tartan High Schools for in-person learners. The assessment takes approximately 2 1/2 hours to complete.

Students in distance learning will take the assessment virtually.

More information will be shared with all students taking the assessment as it becomes available.

Students with questions should register for one of the virtual Q & A sessions:

• Wednesday, April 7
  3:00-3:15 PM

• Friday, April 9
  7:45-8:05 AM

• Wednesday, April 12
  3:00 - 3:30 PM
  

Q & A Session Registration Form

Questions may also be directed to:

Rachel David - District Education Center
Laurie Krenz - District Education Center

Krista Schweppe - North High School
Kelly Herrera - Tartan High School

Complete and submit this bilingual assessment registration form by Friday, April 30.

The bilingual assessment is offered at no cost to District 622 students.

The cost for students who are homeschooled and want to take the assessment is $49.50.

Results will be provided to students as soon as the information becomes available, usually within four weeks of the assessment.

Students will receive a certificate and transcript notation. Time-permitting, students will also be recognized in the program distributed at graduation.

Find out more about the Minnesota Bilingual Seal Program by visiting the Minnesota Department of Education Bilingual Seal Program website.