Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Seal Of Biliteracy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House expands access to state seal of biliteracy; H.4671 passes unanimously
Summary
Representative Veil of Framingham urged passage of H.4671 to expand access to the state seal of biliteracy by giving DESE flexibility to certify proficiency across instructional pathways.
Representative Veil of Framingham introduced H.4671 during third reading and asked that the vote be taken by the call of the yeas and nays. In floor remarks, the sponsor described cases where students who completed two‑way immersion programs were ineligible under the existing statute because of testing or pathway limitations, and said the bill would give DESE discretion and flexibility so such students could demonstrate proficiency and earn the state seal of biliteracy.
Supporters noted that the seal requires proof of proficiency in English and at least one additional language, and that the bill removes technical barriers that left some otherwise qualified students unable to receive the recognition. Representative Veil said the change was intended to make the seal accessible to students regardless of whether they attended public or private high schools after an immersion program.
A recorded roll call produced 155 yeas and 0 nays; the clerk announced H.4671 was passed to be engrossed.
