Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy Assessment Requirements

Languages and Assessments

Alternative Method of Assessment

For languages without available assessments or in circumstances where test administration is cost prohibitive, students must still demonstrate Intermediate Mid or higher proficiency in all skills that are applicable. Assessments should be aligned with the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines for Intermediate High or equivalent and must be pre-approved by the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy governance.

Students in Dual Language Immersion Programs

Students enrolled in dual language immersion programs may demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other language using the assessments above. They may also follow the following guidelines.

Gold Level Qualifications (Students will meet 3 of the following)

World Language for World Language Speakers (e.g., Spanish for Spanish Speakers, or Arabic for Arabic Speakers) Level One and Level Two with a C or higher for each course. Course content must include composition, verbal communication, literature, research skills, and technical reading and writing.

AND

The equivalent of two completed semesters from the following choices:

• World Language for World Language Speakers Level Three or higher with a C or higher for each course
• Honors World Language for World Language Speakers 3-4, 5-6 with a C or higher for each course
• AP World Language with a C or higher
• AP World Language Literature with a C or higher

AND

The equivalent of 3 academic years of World Language content courses

Silver Level Qualifications

World Language for World Language Speakers Level One and Level Two with a C or higher for each course. Course content must include composition, verbal communication, literature, research skills, and technical reading and writing.

AND

The equivalent of two completed semesters from the following choices:

• World Language for World Language Speakers Level Three or higher with a C or higher for each course
• AP World Language Language with a C or higher
• AP World Language Literature with a C or higher

English Language Learners

Students who are English-language learners are encouraged to apply for the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy in their native language. ELL students do not have to be currently enrolled in a course for the language in which they would like to apply for the Seal. However, students will still have to demonstrate the ability to speak, read, write, and listen in the native language.

Process to Verify Language Proficiency in Languages Other Than English

If an approved commercial assessment is currently available, the Alternative Method of Assessment may not be used.

When no commercial assessment is currently available, or the cost of the exam is more than $250 per assessment, the student may apply for alternative assessment by writing a letter of petition to the governance of the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy.

The governance of the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy will reach out to a formally trained language speaker and writer of the language who has experience with the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines and/or Performance Descriptors for assessment purposes. Colleges, universities, tribal language departments, embassies, or consulates will be consulted nationally and, if needed, internationally.

The tasks required will include listening, reading, speaking, and writing and may use both formal and informal materials and resources. The assessment of the student will be based on the recommendation of the trained language speaker.

Less Commonly Taught Languages

Students of and native speakers of less commonly taught languages are encouraged to apply for the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy. Less commonly taught languages used in Nebraska include, but are not limited to:

Assessments are available for many of these languages. Please review the table “Languages And Assessments”.

Reference: Nebraska Language and Limited English Proficiency Report Card 2021