(Images courtesy of Augusta School Department, The Portland Public Schools, and Bangor School Department)
Maine students are earning the Seal of Biliteracy in record numbers, with an 18 percent increase in the number of students earning the distinction this year and an 11.5 percent increase in Maine high schools offering the opportunity.
The Maine Seal of Biliteracy recognizes graduating students who demonstrate proficiency in English and one or more additional languages. The statewide recognition celebrates students’ dedication to language learning and highlights bilingualism and multilingualism as valuable assets that support academic, career, and community opportunities.
“This year’s growth reflects the dedication of Maine students, families, educators, and school and district coordinators who support language learning and help students pursue the Seal of Biliteracy,” said Melanie Junkins, Assistant Professor of Education at the University of Maine at Presque Isle “The Seal recognizes a significant achievement and affirms that bilingualism and multilingualism are lifelong skills that benefit students throughout their education, careers, and lives.”
Recognizing Language as an Asset
For many Maine students, bilingualism and multilingualism are part of their everyday lives. Students may speak another language with family members, study a world language in school, or develop language skills through community, cultural, and international experiences.
The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes these experiences and abilities as assets.
The distinction provides students with an opportunity to show what they can do in English and an additional language through approved assessments and established criteria. Earning the Seal requires preparation, persistence, and strong language skills across multiple areas of communication.
The Seal also supports the goals of the Maine Learning Results, including the World Languages standards, which emphasize communication and intercultural understanding. These skills help prepare students to participate meaningfully in an increasingly interconnected world.
The Seal gives students a meaningful way to celebrate their language skills while recognizing an achievement that can continue to serve them beyond high school.
Resource Kit Supports Growing Interest
The continued growth of the Seal of Biliteracy program reflects increasing awareness of the value of multilingualism and the opportunities available to Maine students.
The Maine Seal of Biliteracy Resource Kit supports schools and educators by providing tools to promote the Seal, communicate with students and families, and build awareness of the process for earning the distinction.
As more schools use the Resource Kit to share information and encourage students to consider the Seal, students have more opportunities to learn how their bilingual and multilingual abilities can be recognized and celebrated.
Increasing awareness is an important part of expanding access to the Seal. Students need to know that the opportunity exists and understand the steps they can take to earn it.
Schools can support students throughout their educational journey by encouraging continued language learning, supporting students in developing their home and heritage languages, and providing opportunities to develop and demonstrate proficiency in a world language.
An Earned Distinction and Lifelong Skill
Earning the Seal of Biliteracy is a significant accomplishment. The distinction recognizes students who have demonstrated proficiency in English and an additional language and provides a formal acknowledgment of their achievement as they transition from high school to college, career, and civic life.
For students, the Seal can serve as evidence of valuable skills they carry with them beyond graduation. The ability to communicate across languages and cultures can support future educational opportunities, careers, relationships, and community engagement.
This year’s 18 percent increase is more than a program statistic. It means more Maine students being recognized for their dedication to language learning and for skills they have worked hard to develop.
The growth also reflects the work of educators, families, and communities across the state who recognize the languages students speak and study as important assets.
As Maine celebrates its strongest year yet for the Seal of Biliteracy, these students’ achievements highlight the value of bilingualism and multilingualism and the importance of providing opportunities to demonstrate their full range of knowledge and skills.
More Maine students than ever are earning recognition for their biliteracy, affirming that the languages they speak, study, and develop are valuable assets in schools, work, and life.
Explore statewide Maine Seal of Biliteracy Statewide Data on the Maine Seal of Biliteracy Dashboard.
Learn more about the Maine Seal of Biliteracy and access the Resource Kit at the Maine Department of Education’s Seal of Biliteracy resources.
Maine DOE Newsroom 