La Crosse students earn seals of biliteracy and a global certificate; district explains college credit pathways

The board heard a recognition presentation from Miss Katie Byer and Superintendent Dr. Engle honoring students who earned the district’s seal of biliteracy and the global education certificate. Students who spoke described their projects—topics ranged from French neocolonialism in Africa to the decline of regional cultural dance forms, and studies of health‑care language access.

Byer explained the assessment components required for the seal—advanced‑level language testing, English proficiency, sociocultural engagement, and an exit research project—and said the level is equivalent to a college student preparing to be a language teacher. She noted University of Wisconsin placement can yield retroactive credits (up to 16 credits) when students place at sufficiently high levels. Several students (Cassidy Buril, Ashani Yang, Samuel Heisy, Maggie Harri, Eden Divine, Gaochi Tao, Victor Vang) described their research and community work that supported the awards.

Board members asked about comparison to AP testing and program history; staff said the seal program began development around 2017–2018 and this year included the district’s first Logan High Mung language recipient and the district’s first French seal recipient. The board offered congratulations; no action was required.