Last Updated On : Oct 24, 2024
Embedded Files
Seal of Biliteracy
for Tamil
What is the "Seal of Biliteracy" for Tamil?
What is the "Seal of Biliteracy" for Tamil?
Illinois public school district offers the "State Seal of Biliteracy" program to recognize "high school graduates" who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and in one or more foreign / world languages.
ALTA is an approved standard assessment for Tamil by ISBE. That means high school students in IL (from any school district) can obtain the State Seal Of Biliteracy for Tamil when they achieve the required score by taking the ALTA Assessment for the Tamil language (along with other requirements).
This recognition must be designated on a student’s transcript and high school diploma with a receipt of the IL State Seal of Biliteracy.
Check if your school district is ready for ALTA assessment for Tamil HERE.
Source : https://www.isbe.net/sealofbiliteracy
What are the benefits of having a Seal of Biliteracy?
What are the benefits of having a Seal of Biliteracy?
College (click here)
College (click here)
• Public colleges and universities in Illinois must award foreign language credit for the State Seal of Biliteracy.
Note: Some colleges and universities will recognize the Seal as meeting all foreign language requirements, others recognize it as meeting partial foreign language credit. Some private colleges/universities in Illinois recognize the Seal. Additionally, some out-of-state colleges/universities recognize the Seal as foreign language credit as well.
• Students may be able to earn scholarship money for being biliterate.
• Earning the Seal could more quickly put students on track towards a major or minor in the foreign language in college.
• Students may have opportunities in college to join certain clubs or activities to meet and engage with other people who speak the same language.
Source : https://www.isbe.net/Documents/Seal-Biliteracy-Benefits.pdf
Career (click here)
Career (click here)
• The Seal is a formal or official way of acknowledging biliteracy on a resume or LinkedIn.
• Many employers seek out or strongly prefer candidates who are biliterate. Earning the Seal would give students a “leg up” among other applicants in the job market, as well as opening a larger pool of potential jobs or fields to enter.
• Employers may give biliterate employees additional tasks or responsibilities because of their language skills, giving those employees more opportunities for various experiences and gained knowledge in their field.
• Employers may pay more or offer bonuses to applicants who are biliterate.
Source : https://www.isbe.net/Documents/Seal-Biliteracy-Benefits.pdf
AS a parent, what SHOULD I know before hand ?
AS a parent, what SHOULD I know before hand ?
1) What are the basic requirements to qualify for the seal of biliteracy test?
Students who are proficient in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing are eligible to take ALTA assessments during their High school. It may be either in Junior or Senior grade as it depends on the school district.
2) How do I register for the seal of biliteracy test?
High School typically communicates the "Seal of biliteracy" test schedules for foreign languages twice a year along with registration, timing and fees. Students / Parents can reach out to your high school counsellor or foreign language director for any additional information.
3) What is the assessment fee?
Discuss with the school counsellor or refer to schools assessment registration process. Typically between $130 - $175 and it may vary between school districts.
4) Can a student retake the ALTA assessment, if so, will there be any limits or restrictions?
Students can retake ATLA assessment many times as needed, also they do not need to take all assessments at once. Check with the respective school for further clarification.
5) What is the duration of the assessment?
You should allow about 30 minutes for Listening / Speaking tests, and 1 hour each for a Reading and Writing tests.
6) Can a student take the ALTA test privately?
Unless authorized by the School, Students will be required follow the process established by your high-school. We recommend to take the assesment in your respective High-School. In some special circumstances, Annai Tamil Academy (an Authorized ALTA Center) can proctor ALTA exams, if your high-school has requested to do so.
7) Should students attend a Tamil school to qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy?
No. All high school student are eligible to take the Seal of Biliteracy assessment.
8) How are the assessments conducted?
ALTA Assessments are typically conducted at your high-school with an in-person proctored at school.
Reading: This part of the assessment is taken online as a multiple choice exam (25 Questions)
Writing: This part of the assessment is given on paper. Ask for paper-test while registration and confirm with the school contact.
Speaking & Listening: This part of the assessment is conducted over the phone.
Assessments are scheduled by the school after registration is completed.
9) How do we prepare the student for the test?
There is NO specific curriculum or books to study. It is a proficiency test, so continuous learning will help student to obtain the Seal. Check student testimonials and refer to ISBE for proficient level required to qualify for Seal of Biliteracy.
10) Can a student take Seal of Biliteracy assessments for more than one language?
Yes and encouraged to do so.
11) Is my child(ren)'s high-school ready to conduct ALTA assessment ?
We encourage you to check, if your school district / high-school is ready for ALTA assessment by checking the School District Readiness page.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse