May 9, 2022
This spring, 51 seniors from Springfield Public Schools received the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy and 9 earned the Distinguished Seal of Biliteracy. The achievement reflects a student’s mastery of a world language they earned from years of language study.
To earn the seal, students took the AAPPL language proficiency exam and scored Intermediate or higher on reading, listening, writing and speaking a world language. With a high enough score, students can earn up to 18 credits of world language at participating Missouri universities who recognize the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy.
“I think it’s important for students to master another language because it provides them with so many cultural opportunities,” said Bella Molea, Kickapoo senior. “I am so thankful I took advantage of the world language program at Kickapoo, and I encourage everyone else to do the same.”
This is the fifth year students could earn the statewide distinction, which is granted by a local school district to recognize a student who has attained proficiency in both English and one more other world languages before high school graduation. This is the fourth year SPS awarded the seals.
“Language acquisition is the core of communication,” said Wendy Robinson, world language coordinator for SPS. “Multilingual students will have a wealth of opportunities in their college and career pathways because of the skills they’ve gained. We live in a globally connected society in which communication skills are paramount -- multilingual students will set themselves apart from their peers because of their ability to communicate and connect with individuals from other cultures.”
