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I'm Exploring or Beginning Seal of Biliteracy Implementation in My School or District

The State Seal of Biliteracy gives LEAs an opportunity to recognize the multilingual skills students develop at home, at school, and in their communities. Beginning implementation involves understanding the statewide requirements, establishing local procedures, and ensuring that all students have equitable access to the opportunity to earn the Seal.

What is the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy?

The Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy is an official designation awarded by local education agencies (LEAs) to graduating students who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English and in at least one language in addition to English.

Districts may award either:

  • the State Seal of Biliteracy; or
  • the State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction.

The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes multilingualism and biliteracy as valuable academic, civic, and workforce skills. Students may earn the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy in languages learned at school, at home, or in the community.

Participation in the program is voluntary for LEAs. Participating LEAs provide all students equitable access to the opportunity to earn the Seal of Biliteracy, including in languages for which the LEA does not offer courses.

Translated version in:    Spanish     |    Portuguese     |    Chinese (Mandarin)     |    Haitian Creole     |    Vietnamese

Requirements for LEAs to Participate in the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy

Participating districts are responsible for carrying out annual implementation activities required by state law and Department guidance.

These responsibilities include:

  • Reading and adhering to DESE's Seal of Biliteracy Guidance
  • Providing annual written notification to families of all students (preK–12) in the district;
  • Ensuring equitable access to assessments;
  • Selecting approved assessments;
  • Determining whether students satisfy the criteria for the Seal or Seal with Distinction;
  • Awarding the Seal and applying transcript notation;
  • Maintaining records of assessment results and awarded Seals; and
  • Reporting results annually through SIMS.

Districts should identify staff members responsible for:

  • Communication and outreach;
  • Assessment coordination;
  • Determining eligibility;
  • Transcript and graduation recognition;
  • SIMS reporting; and
  • Record retention.

Program Planning Considerations

Before beginning annual implementation, districts should determine how the Seal of Biliteracy will operate locally. Districts are encouraged to develop local implementation procedures, timelines, and staff responsibilities before administering assessments or communicating with students and families. The implementation section of this webpage provides detailed guidance and resources for each phase of the annual cycle.

Communication and outreach

LEAs should determine:

  • How students and families will learn about the Seal of Biliteracy each year;
  • Which staff members will communicate with students and families; and
  • How outreach will extend beyond students already enrolled in world language or ESL courses.

Assessment access

LEAs should determine:

  • Which approved assessments they expect to offer;
  • Which languages are most requested locally;
  • How students outside of world language courses will access assessments;
  • How students identified as low-income will participate at no cost; and
  • How students requiring accommodations will be supported.

Determining eligibility

LEAs should determine

  • Who will review student results and determine eligibility; and
  • What is the timeline for determining eligibility in time for the student to be awarded at graduation;
  • How eligibility decisions will be documented.

Recognition and reporting

LEAs should determine

  • How the Seal of Biliteracy will appear on transcripts and graduation materials;
  • How Seal of Biliteracy recipients may be celebrated locally;
  • Who will oversee SIMS reporting;
  • How assessment records and Seal of Biliteracy awards will be maintained locally; and
  • How assessment data may be used to advance multilingual programs.

Enroll in the Program

LEAs that wish to participate in the State Seal of Biliteracy program must enroll through WBMS in the Department's Security Portal.

LEAs should identify primary and secondary contacts responsible for local implementation and annually update local Seal of Biliteracy contact information in the School and District Profiles directory so that students, families, and community members can identify the appropriate local contact for Seal-related questions. After enrollment, districts may access official Seal insignia and implementation materials.

Begin Annual Implementation

Once LEAs complete initial planning and enrollment, annual implementation generally includes:

  • Communicating with students and families about the Seal of Biliteracy;
  • Selecting and administering assessments and determining whether students earned the Seal; and
  • Awarding the Seal of Biliteracy and reporting results.

The implementation section of this webpage provides detailed guidance and resources for each phase of the annual cycle.

Key Resources

Last Updated: September 14, 2026

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