North Middlesex Regional High School to Participate in State Seal of Biliteracy Program

North Middlesex Regional High School will participate in the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy program and will conduct performance assessments on April 17.

The Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who have achieved proficiency in English and a partner language by high school graduation. Students will earn the seal on their diploma as a statement of accomplishment for future employers and college admissions.

The State Seal of Biliteracy aims to encourage students to study and master languages; certify attainment of biliteracy skills; recognize the value of language diversity; provide employers with a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills; provide universities with a method to recognize and give credit to applicants for attainment of high-level skills in languages; prepare students with skills that will benefit them in the labor market and the global society; and strengthen intergroup communication and honor the multiple cultures and languages in a community.

Students earn the State Seal of Biliteracy by 

• Scoring 472 or higher on the Grade 10 ELA MCAS;
• Attaining a minimum score equivalent to Intermediate-High on an assessment approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE);
• Satisfying all other graduation requirements.

The Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction is available to students who:

• Scoring 501 or higher on the Grade 10 ELA MCAS;
• Demonstrating a proficiency level of Advanced Low or higher on a DESE-approved assessment;
• Satisfying all other graduation requirements.

The ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) will be given on Thursday, April 17 at the High School, and is intended for students in Grades 11 and 12. 

However, all families and students should be aware of this opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in home languages and English when attending NMRHS.

Questions should be addressed to Elizabeth Penney, ML Lead & High School ML teacher, at epenney@nmrsd.org. Qualifying students in Grades 11 and 12 must reach out to her by April 4 to verify testing registration.