Board adopts biliteracy endorsement for diplomas and urges sustained funding for language programs

The San Francisco Unified School District board voted to adopt a policy allowing students to earn a seal of biliteracy or world-language proficiency on their diploma if they demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other language.

Margaret Peterson, who introduced the proposal, told the board the requested action would allow a "seal of biliteracy or world language proficiency on their diploma if they demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in 1 or more languages in addition to English." Supporters at the meeting included immersion program parents, students in Korean immersion, and university faculty who said the endorsement would help students with college and career pathways.

Students spoke in favor of the resolution: fourth-grader Sena Lee said she enjoys learning Korean and "I hope to have my diploma endorsed with biliteracy endorsement." University faculty and language-program directors said the endorsement should be implemented quickly but that it will be meaningful only if the district sustains funding for immersion and language programs through middle and high school.

The board approved the policy by roll call. Commissioners and parents asked staff to present how immersion programs are funded and to explore ways to protect and expand biliteracy pathways despite the broader budget shortfall.

Why it matters: The seal gives formal recognition of multilingual proficiency on diplomas and signals a district commitment to multilingualism; parents and educators emphasized the endorsement—9s value only if feeder programs are protected.

Next steps: Staff said they are reviewing funding sources and will report back (curriculum and budget committees were suggested to examine program sustainability).