11-04-2025
DCS will certify students who attain literacy in two languages
Apr. 11—Decatur City Schools is implementing a new certification program for students who achieve literacy in both English and another language.
The certification will let prospective employers and colleges know the student is proficient, which could help them get a job, a scholarship or college credit.
Ann Marie Batista, English as a Second Language program supervisor for Decatur City Schools, unveiled the DCS Alabama seal of biliteracy plan at this week's school board meeting.
"Many states around us have their own seal of biliteracy and Alabama now has its own seal, the Alabama seal of biliteracy," Batista told board members. According to the Alabama State Department of Education, the Alabama seal of biliteracy "acknowledges and communicates the value of the nation's diversity in language assets. It encourages language learners to maintain and improve their first or heritage language while also acquiring proficiency in additional languages."
She said there are about 30 school districts throughout the state that already have an established biliteracy seal plan.
"We are wanting to have our own established plan so we can recognize students," she said.
She said the opportunity is for all students. It includes native English speakers and students with home languages that are other than English. She said it doesn't matter which language you learn first, the goal is to recognize students for their proficiency in two languages. She said students have to demonstrate their proficiency according to state standards and they have to meet high school graduation requirements.
According to the State Department of Education seal of biliteracy guidelines, the seal is awarded by the department to graduating students who have demonstrated an intermediate level of proficiency in English and at least one other world language, including American Sign Language.
"I think it is a very strengthening move for our graduates to be recognized for that (biliteracy) because we are all aware that knowing more than one language is the best way to go," DCS board member Peggy Baggett said.
The seal will let employers and universities know the student has attained biliteracy.
"Because part of purpose is to demonstrate to employers on their resume that they have an official recognition of proficiency," Batista said. "Also, some universities are beginning to accept the mid-proficiency seal in their universities allowing for some credits. There are multiple purposes. So, we think that DCS would be a wonderful place to also recognize that."
When students meet the requirements, they will receive an official designation on their official transcript, she said.
"If you are going for competitive scholarship or a job and you've got this designation on your transcript, then you have a leg up from someone who doesn't," Superintendent Michael Douglas said after the meeting.
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