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- Language Programs
- Bilingual Seals Program
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The Bilingual Seals Program
Minnesota schools may award the Minnesota Bilingual or Multilingual seals to students who demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English, including American Sign Language (ASL) and indigenous American Indian languages. District 622 offers this program to recognize the value of speaking more than one language.
Students who demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English and complete the required English Language Arts credits are awarded a Bilingual Seal once they graduate. Students receive a Bilingual Seals certificate and pin, and their Bilingual Seals award is noted on their transcripts. In addition, students receive high school credit and may be eligible to receive college credit.
In 2021, 58 ISD 622 students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades demonstrated proficiency in a language other than English and were/will be awarded the Bilingual Seal upon graduation! Students demonstrated proficiency in Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, Somali, Somali Maxaa, Amharic, French, and Filipino.
FAQs
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What are the benefits of receiving a Bilingual Seal?
Benefits of receiving a Bilingual Seal include:
- Earn high school elective credit
- 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. Students have three years to request college credit after high school graduation. More details are available on the Minnesota Department of Education Bilingual Seal Program website.
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How do I demonstrate proficiency in another language?
Students can demonstrate their proficiency in listening, reading, speaking, and writing by taking a Bilingual Seals assessment or an Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Culture Exam.
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What does the assessment involve?
Four areas of language usage are assessed - listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
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Who should consider taking the assessment?
The following students should consider taking the assessment:
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- English Language Learners
- Learners in world language programs
- Dakota, Ojibwe learners
- Heritage language learners
- Learners in dual and immersion programs
- Community-based weekend schools (Chinese, Czech, Japanese, etc)
- Students with a home language other than English
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In which languages does District 622 offer the assessment?
District 622 offers the bilingual assessment in the following languages:
American Sign Language Korean Amharic Mandarin (Simplified & Traditional) Arabic Ojibwe Czech Oromo Dakota/Lakota Polish French Portuguese (Brazilian) German Russian Hebrew Somali Maay Maay Hindi Somali Maxaa Hmong Spanish Italian Tamil Japanese Thai Karen Vietnamese Students who would like to test in a language that is not listed above should complete the registration form (see below) and indicate which language they would like to test in on the form.
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When will the assessment take place?
The Bilingual Seals assessment will take place in the spring for North, Tartan and 622 Online students. The assessment takes approximately 2 1/2 hours to complete.
More information will be shared with all students taking the assessment once they .have registered.
Tuesday, May 17 - Tartan High School
Thursday, May 19 - North High School and 622 Online
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Can I take the test more than once?
Bilingual Seals assessments are offered once a year. Students may retake the test when the tests are offered the next year if they would like.
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How do I sign up?
Complete the Bilingual Assessment Registration form to register for the exam.
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How much does it cost to take the bilingual assessment?
The Bilingual Seals assessment is offered at no cost to District 622 students.
The cost for students who are homeschooled and want to take the assessment was $49.50 in 2021. The cost of the 2022 assessment will be posted when the information becomes available.
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When will I get my results?
Results will be provided to students as soon as the information becomes available, usually within four weeks of the assessment.
Students who earn the Bilingual Seals will receive a certificate and pin and their Bilingual Seals award will be noted on their transcript.
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Where can I find out more about Minnesota's Bilingual Seal Program?
Find out more about the Minnesota Bilingual Seal Program by visiting the Minnesota Department of Education Bilingual Seal Program website.
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What if I have questions?
Questions may also be directed to:
Krista Schweppe - North High School
Kelly Herrera - Tartan High School
Virginia Hildebrandt - 622 Online
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Assessment Date
TBD
Questions?
Krista Schweppe
North High SchoolKelly Herrera
Tartan High SchoolVirginia Hildebrandt
622 Online
