Bilingual Seals and Proficiency Certificate
COVID-19 Update
The Minnesota Department of Education has provided an update on the attainment of Minnesota Bilingual and Multilingual Seals. Please note the following messages regarding AP, IB, and STAMP Exams:
AP Exams
Due to the significantly modified exam components administered with an open-book environment, the results of 2019-20 AP exams are NOT accepted to fulfill any requirements for a Bilingual or Multilingual Seal at this time.
IB Exams
IB Exams were cancelled for the 2019-20 school year, and therefore, 2019-20 IB language exams will not count toward the Minnesota Bilingual or Multilingual Seals.
About Bilingual Seals and Proficiency Certificate
The Minnesota World Language Proficiency Certificate and Bilingual and Multilingual Seals were created as an official recognition by the state of Minnesota for proficiency in a language in addition to English. The certificate can be awarded as soon as a student demonstrates Intermediate-Low proficiency; however, the seals are only awarded upon high school graduation. Seals are added to the transcript of each high school graduate who meets the requirements.
Minnetonka Public Schools carefully tracks student proficiency test results to ensure students receive the appropriate designation.
Legislation
- June 2015—The Minnesota Bilingual and Multilingual Seals were legislated.
- 2009—The Minnesota World Language Proficiency Certificate was created as an official recognition by the state of Minnesota.
Why the Seals are Awarded
- The Bilingual Seal is awarded for proficiency in another language in addition to English.
- The Multilingual Seal is awarded for proficiency in two or more languages in addition to English.
Recognition and Certificate or Seal Levels
The level of each seal is defined according to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines.
|
Level of Achievement |
ACTFL Proficiency |
AP Language Exams |
IB Diploma |
|
MN World Language Proficiency Certificate |
Intermediate Low |
Intermediate Low |
Intermediate Low (Language B courses: IB score 3 on SL exam; IB score 2 on HL exam) |
|
Minnesota Bilingual Gold Seal |
Intermediate High |
Intermediate High |
Intermediate High (Language B courses: IB score 4 on SL exam; IB score 3 or 4 on HL exam) |
|
Minnesota Bilingual Platinum Seal |
Advanced Low |
Advanced Low |
Advanced Low (Language B courses: IB score 5 or above on SL exam; IB score 5 or above on HL exam) |
When Awards are Given
Seals are awarded upon high school graduation using eligible scores from grades 9-12. At the District’s expense, students may continue to take the STAMP Test each year until they receive the seal level that meets their expectations. For the STAMP Test, students must earn the qualifying score listed in the table below on EACH of the four sections of the exam (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking).
|
Grade Level |
ACTFL Proficiency Levels (STAMP exam) |
AP Language Exams |
IB Diploma |
|
Grade 9 |
N/A |
Intermediate Mid Intermediate High Advanced Low |
N/A |
|
Grade 10 |
Intermediate Low Intermediate High Advanced Low |
Intermediate Mid Intermediate High Advanced Low |
N/A |
|
Grade 11 |
Intermediate Low Intermediate High Advanced Low |
Intermediate Mid Intermediate High Advanced Low |
Intermediate Low Intermediate High Advanced Low |
|
Grade 12 |
Intermediate Low Intermediate High Advanced Low |
Intermediate Mid Intermediate High Advanced Low |
Intermediate Low Intermediate High Advanced Low |
How the Seals are Awarded
School districts add the appropriate seal to the transcript of each high school graduate who meets the requirements.
Multilingual Assessment
In addition, Spanish and Chinese Immersion students at MHS who choose to take a third language may also take an assessment in that language to qualify for the State of Minnesota’s Multilingual Seal.
Additional Requirements
Students must also:
- Satisfactorily complete all required English language arts credits; and
- Demonstrate mastery of Minnesota’s English language proficiency standards.
College Credits
Upon enrollment and student request, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) awards three semesters of college credit for a gold bilingual or multilingual seal and four semesters of college credit for a platinum bilingual or multilingual seal.
For these credits to be automatic, qualifying scores need to be earned in grades 10-12 per Minnesota statute. However, students may request credit from the institution if scores were obtained during ninth grade. Potential college credit eligibility (2-4 semesters) is listed on students’ high school transcripts.
- World Language Certificate: 2 semesters
- Gold Seal: 3 semesters
- Platinum Seal: 4 semesters
Note: The University of Minnesota is not a MnSCU school. The College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota has its own system for awarding credit for students with advanced language skills.
Questions Regarding College Credits
The state level recognition of world language proficiency with college credit is new and not everyone will be familiar with it yet. If you run into difficulties receiving credits, please contact:
- Minnesota Department of Education mde.worldlang@state.mn.us
- Todd Harmening (MnSCU) todd.harmening@so.mnscu.edu
Contact
If you have questions regarding attainment of the certificate or seal levels, you may contact your child’s teacher or Dr. Matt Rega, Director of Assessment at matt.rega@minnetonkaschools.org