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Seminole County highlights expanding world languages program as AP scores and biliteracy seals rise
Summary
District leaders told the school board the world languages program serves more than 13,000 students across six languages, reported AP Spanish and AP Spanish Literature pass rates well above state and global averages, and announced a May 7 recognition event for Seal of Biliteracy recipients.
Seminole County Public Schools on March 10 presented a multi-part update on its world languages and dual-language programs, highlighting enrollment, assessment results and program growth.
"In our world language classes, we do teach literacy skills," said Minnie Cardona, director of world languages, as she outlined the district framework aligned to ACTFL and Florida standards. Cardona told the board the district currently offers Spanish, French, American Sign Language, Latin, Chinese and Japanese and that more than 13,000 students are enrolled in world languages courses.
Cardona credited teacher-developed common assessments and program supports for strong student outcomes. "AP Spanish, we had a 93.6% passing rate," she said, and noted AP Spanish Literature passing rates were also unusually high, at about 89.7%. Cardona also reported 700 students earned a Seal of Biliteracy last year — 579 gold and 121 silver — a roughly 20.9% increase from the prior year.
Rena Fletcher, the district’s teacher of the year from Lake Mary High School, described classroom benefits beyond language proficiency. "Learning another language changes the way students think," Fletcher said, citing gains in problem solving, empathy and career opportunities.
Student speaker Jefferson Hernandez Cox told the board that studying Spanish helped him develop academic discipline and leadership. "The language program provided me with incredible leadership opportunities," Jefferson said; he added he hopes to graduate with a Gold Seal of Biliteracy before attending Florida State University.
District staff also reviewed dual-language programming and professional development. An instructional coach said the district serves nine dual-language schools and two world-language elementary programs and provides monthly professional development and data-driven collaboration to support instruction across proficiency levels.
Cardona invited the board and community to a Seal of Biliteracy recognition ceremony on May 7 at Winter Springs High School to honor students who achieved biliteracy standards.
Board members praised the presentations and the district’s festival and competitions, and thanked staff and volunteers for supporting student opportunities.
