The Pine Bush Central School District is participating in the New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) program.
The application for the 2021-2022 academic year is due by Sept. 27, 2021.
- In the 2018-2019 academic year, the first in which Pine Bush was part of this program, 12 students earned the seal.
- In the 2019-2020 academic year, 23 students earned the seal and one student earned it in two languages other than English – Spanish and Portuguese .
- In the 2020-2021 academic year, 22 students earned the seal.
Why biliteracy?
The intent of the New York State Seal of Biliteracy is to:
- encourage the study of languages;
- identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employers;
- provide universities with additional information about applicants seeking admission;
- prepare students with 21st century skills;
- recognize the value of foreign and native language instruction in schools;
- affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society.
The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who have attained a high level of proficiency in the three standards/modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal and presentational, in one or more languages, in addition to English. The Seal of Biliteracy will be awarded to students who meet the criteria established by the Board of Regents. There is also a medallion that students receive to wear around their neck at graduation.
How to earn the Seal of Biliteracy
Each candidate for the Seal of Biliteracy must complete an application, meet New York State assessment requirements and complete a summative project that will be reviewed by the school’s NYSSB Committee.
Need more information?
For more information about the Seal of Biliteracy and how students may qualify, contact Eleanor Dana, World Language Department chairperson, Kelly Cooke, English Language Arts Department chairperson or Ann Armand, ENL teacher.