From the New York State Education Department Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages (OBEWL) Assistant Commissioner Newsletter in June 2016

The New York State Seal of Biliteracy was approved by the Board of Regents along with the criteria required to demonstrate proficiency in two or more languages. The Board’s approval is an endorsement of language acquisition within our state’s schools and communities and a call to districts to encourage and celebrate language learning. Furthermore, it is an opportunity for teachers to develop rigorous and stimulating programs so that all students can demonstrate the level of proficiency that will earn them the NYS Seal of Biliteracy. We are delighted to introduce this new initiative and will work with administrators and educators throughout the state to help them create their programs. Resources for Implementation include:

• NYSSB Handbook which includes Q/A guidance document, forms, regents item, glossary and resource links
• Required forms, including District Notification Form, Seal Image Request Form, and End-of-Year Data Form
• All information can be found here.