Livonia to offer Seal of Biliteracy to qualifying high-school students; district to support exam costs

District staff presented the Seal of Biliteracy as a recognition opportunity for multilingual learners who meet Michigan's proficiency and graduation requirements. Presenters explained that students who meet English competency via the state's MMC requirements and demonstrate an intermediate-high level of proficiency in another language through an accepted external exam can earn a stamped seal on their diploma.

The presentation noted the state adopted the seal several years ago and roughly 115 Michigan districts have some version of the program. Mr. Itu and Ms. O'Brien said assessments are typically administered in spring of the junior year or fall of the senior year. The exams vary by language and generally cost between $25 and $95; staff said the district would support families who choose to pursue the seal.

Board members asked operational questions (eligibility for languages not offered by the district, whether the district or family applies the seal, and how many students might qualify). Staff said any language can qualify (not limited to courses the district offers) and that logistics (district-provided stamp versus family application) will be worked out; estimating participation at this stage was difficult because the exams are rigorous.

What happens next: Staff will continue planning outreach and logistics; the presentation was informational and does not require board action to offer the seal. The board asked staff to return with implementation details at a future study session.