SAUGUS — English Language Learner (ELL) Coach and Coordinator Gosia Knupp shared at a recent School Committee meeting that present and future Saugus High School seniors will now be eligible to receive the Massachusetts State of Biliteracy Seal.
Established by the Language Opportunity for Our Kids Act, Chapter 138 of the Acts of 2017, the Massachusetts State of Biliteracy Seal has goals of offering a multitude of opportunities for students, their families, employers, and higher education institutions.
The award and designation is given to graduating seniors at eligible high schools in Massachusetts. High schools are required to enroll in the seal program to be eligible, and students must prove that they have a high level of proficiency in two or more languages.
In order for the students to be eligible to earn the seal, they had to meet several requirements outside of their regularly necessary graduation requirements, including a score of 472 or higher on the 10th Grade ELA MCAS, and a score of Intermediate High on an approved world language assessment, which would satisfy the World Language criteria.
The school selected a test for students to take, which had nine levels, where students needed to score six and above.
In Massachusetts, over 9,427 high school graduates have earned the seal since 2019. Additionally, as of 2023, 213 schools and districts have been authorized to award the seal. For students seeking higher education, 11 institutions offer credit or advanced placement to students who have earned the seal.
“On average, Massachusetts high schools award the seal to 5% of their graduating class,” Knupp said. “This was our first year offering the seal, and we have 8%. I anticipate next year, we will have more students receiving the seal.”
Out of 21 students who applied for the seal, 15 students qualified.
“Growing up, I would see how my family members struggled being in the US, not being able to understand a single word that other people would say in English,” seal recipient Nicole Loza said. “And for me, helping them, it makes me really happy. And, I knew it would give me new opportunities, and as a Spanish speaker, helped me build more connections with others.”
Seal recipient Juanita Galvais echoed similar sentiments, saying that her ability to be bilingual helps to connect her with more people and to be a better problem solver.
“I feel like it’s my job to help people who may struggle with language barriers. By doing that, I can make sure that they can access all the good stuff they need,” Galvais said. “Speaking two languages isn’t just cool for me, it’s a way for me to make things better for other people. It shows that no matter where you come from, you can do awesome stuff, and help others along the way.”
“It just makes me really excited and happy that I can prove to people that you’re able to do things if you put your mind to it,” Galvais said.
School Committee Vice Chair Thomas Whittredge congratulated the girls, calling them “amazing” and that their parents, also in attendance at the meeting, “must be very happy.”
Alongside an insignia on their diploma indicating that they received the seal, students will also be receiving a medallion at graduation.
