World Language Certificate; Bilingual/Multilingual Seal
Minnesota has a system that allows students in grades 10-12 to be recognized and potentially earn college credit for their proficiency in world languages.
- World Language Proficiency Certificate: To earn this certificate, you must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English by taking a language proficiency assessment approved by the Minnesota Department of Education.
- Bilingual and Multilingual Seals: To earn a seal, you must:
- satisfactorily complete all required English Language Arts credits
- demonstrate proficiency in another language through a language proficiency assessment approved by the Minnesota Department of Education.
If you earn a Bilingual (English + one other language) or Multilingual Seal (English + two or more other languages), you may be eligible to receive college credit at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
Legislation
- June 2015: The Minnesota Bilingual and Multilingual Seals were legislated.
- 2009: The Minnesota World Language Proficiency Certificate was created as an official recognition by the state of Minnesota.
Contact
Megan Budke
Bilingual Seal Program Lead
Megan.Budke@wayzatashools.org
Lisa Parra Staves
Bilingual Seal Program Lead
Lisa.Parra.Staves@wayzataschools.org
Assessments & Registration
Our district offers assessments in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Hmong, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tamil, Thai. If your language is not listed and you are interested in seeing where you can test, contact Megan Budke at Megan.Budke@wayzataschools.org.
We offer the AAPPL Measure assessment three times a year, typically in February, May and August.
We also offer the STAMP assessment for students who prefer to complete the writing portion of the assessment by handwriting in the target/heritage language.
For times, dates and to register, go to EPay.
More Information
Source: Minnesota Department of Education
Source: American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL)
- ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines
- ACTFL Performance Descriptors for Language Learners
- ACTFL Proficiency Levels in the Workplace
- AAPPL Measure Practice Tests - the official language assessment of ACTFL
- AAPPL Measure Test Taking Tips
Source: Avant STAMP 4S Assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does proficiency mean?
- How is proficiency assessed?
- How do I decide if I am ready to take a proficiency test? Which test should I take?
- English is not my native language. Can I get a certificate or seal for proficiency in my native langauge?
- Is there a cost for the assessments, certificates or seals?
- What is the difference between testing out of a World Language course and earning a World Language Certificate or Bilinugal/Multilingual Seal?
- What kind of documentation do I receive when I earn a certificate or seal?
- How will my transcript reflect my level of achievement?
- Can I receive college credit for earning a certificate or seal?