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District presents expansion of Seal of Biliteracy program; aims to graduate 260 students with credential
Summary
MPS updated the committee on the Seal of Biliteracy program: the district has expanded languages offered, plans to graduate 260 students this year, and will host a language festival to celebrate recipients.
Milwaukee Public Schools presented an update on its Seal of Biliteracy program and its efforts to expand multilingual recognition and support for students.
Solmaris Gonzalez Chico, curriculum specialist for world language and language immersion and the district Seal of Biliteracy coordinator, told the committee that MPS launched its Seal in February 2020 in collaboration with the Department of Public Instruction. Eighteen students earned the recognition in the inaugural year. Since then, the district has expanded eligibility to 17 additional languages and recently added Igbo with DPI approval.
The Seal recognizes students who demonstrate proficiency in English and one additional world language at an intermediate‑high level in speaking, listening, reading and writing (or signed language proficiency), and who demonstrate social‑cultural competence that connects U.S. culture to the partner language’s cultures. Gonzalez Chico said the goal for the coming school year is to graduate 260 students with the Seal of Biliteracy.
MPS supports candidates through school‑based coordinators and teams of advisers who guide students through requirements, including a social‑cultural competency project and a public multicultural exposition where candidates present in English and in their partner language. The district will celebrate Seal recipients at a language festival at the Rosa Parks Auditorium at Golda Meir Upper Campus; administration provided date and time in the meeting materials.
Why it matters
The Seal of Biliteracy is a statewide, DPI‑approved recognition that signals multilingual proficiency and cultural competence to postsecondary institutions and employers. District staff said expanding language options aligns with MPS priorities for college and career readiness and multicultural competence.
Next steps
Administration asked committee members to promote the program and said staff will continue to expand access to the Seal and support school coordinators and advisers.
