SCCOE Seal of Biliteracy
Jon R. Gundry
At the Santa Clara County Office of Education, we are committed to providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the 21st century workplace.
The ability to speak, read, and write in two or more languages is an increasingly significant factor in workplace success. Citizens of the global economy need language skills and cultural awareness to thrive in a multicultural, multilingual and globally connected world. Silicon Valley is a diverse community, where 59 languages are spoken and just as many cultural backgrounds exist. It is no accident that employees perform work here that ripples across the globe.
The Santa Clara County Office of Education Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to graduating high school seniors who have mastered standard academic English and another language. Students who wish to receive the seal must meet the rigorous state- recommended eligibility requirements and be recommended by their home school district.
We congratulate those students who have already earned the Seal of Biliteracy. These students are making their way in the world bolstered with essential tools for success by confidently using two or more languages. In keeping with the national and state affirmation of biliteracy accomplishments, Santa Clara County Office of Education will continue its tradition of acknowledging graduates who demonstrate biliteracy at high levels.
In the past, districts have been innovative in finding ways to celebrate students who learn a second language. Now with the Seal of Biliteracy, districts can acknowledge their students' achievement with this distinguishing seal on graduates' transcripts and diplomas. Therefore, we urge all districts to establish a biliteracy pathway, so students have the opportunity to gain necessary skills to be successful in 21st century college and careers.