Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Seal Of Biliteracy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Administration to ask full board to adopt PA Seal of Biliteracy for eligible students
Summary
Springfield Township SD administrators proposed adopting the Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy, outlined eligibility (English via Keystone/AP/WIDA ACCESS and world-language proficiency via AP, independent exams, or portfolios), noted low estimated district costs for non-AP proficiency testing, and said six seniors currently qualify; the proposal will go to the June 16 full board for a vote.
District administrators are asking the full Springfield Township SD board to adopt the Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy and to approve related eligibility criteria and modest administrative funding for non‑AP proficiency exams.
Dr. Yano presented the proposal, saying the seal recognizes students who demonstrate intermediate-to-high proficiency in English and at least one other language. For English proficiency the district proposed using Keystone literature scores at the proficient/advanced level, a score of 3 or above on an AP English exam, or a WIDA ACCESS score of 4.5 or higher. For world-language proficiency, administrators proposed using an AP score of 4 or higher, independent proficiency exams where AP tests do not exist (for example, American Sign Language), or review of native-language transcripts or student portfolios.
Dr. Yano said the district found six applicants in the current senior class, with four awaiting AP results. She told the committee the district would absorb most costs: the Commonwealth funds many English exam components, the district already covers AP exam fees for students, and the district would pay for independent proficiency exams when required, estimated at about $25–$50 per student for those tests. Awards or transcript notations would be decided by high school administration.
Committee members expressed support and curiosity about language diversity among eligible students; Dr. Yano said four of the current applicants are Spanish speakers and two are Japanese speakers. No final vote was taken at the committee; the administration will bring the proposal and recommended criteria to the June 16 full-board meeting.
