Holliston High showcases growth in Seal of Biliteracy program ahead of May 1 presentation

The Holliston Public Schools School Committee convened on April 17, 2025, to discuss several key educational initiatives, particularly focusing on the Seal of Biliteracy program and Advanced Placement (AP) exam performance.

The meeting began with a review of the AP Awards, which provided insights into student achievements. Committee members expressed appreciation for the detailed breakdown of these awards, noting its importance in understanding student performance.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the discussion surrounding the Seal of Biliteracy program, which has seen an increase in participation. Kareen, a program coordinator, reported that students have been actively taking tests for the Seal, with expectations that 30 seniors will receive this graduation honor, a notable increase from 16 the previous year. This growth reflects positively on the language program at Holliston High School.

However, concerns were raised regarding the performance of students in French. It was noted that the number of students receiving the Seal in French has decreased significantly, with only five students achieving the honor this year compared to 33 in previous years. Committee members expressed a desire to investigate the reasons behind this decline, particularly in light of past failures among students who took the French exam. Issues with communication regarding retake opportunities were highlighted, as some students were unaware they had not passed the initial exam.

The committee agreed to follow up on these concerns and requested that further data be presented at the next meeting on May 1, where additional insights into the curriculum and intervention strategies will be discussed. The committee emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to ensure all students have equitable opportunities to succeed in language programs.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the committee's commitment to enhancing language education and addressing challenges within the Seal of Biliteracy program, with plans for further discussion and analysis in the coming weeks.