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From https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/education/academic/2018/04/18/new-high-school-honor-iowa-approves-seal-biliteracy-speaking-two-languages/525982002/

New high school honor: Iowa approves 'Seal of Biliteracy' for speaking two languages
By Mackenzie Ryan
April 18, 2018

Iowa students will soon be able to add a new distinction to their high school transcripts.

Starting next year, students can take a test to demonstrate their ability to speak English and another language and earn a "seal of biliteracy" on their diploma.

At least 26 other states and the District of Columbia have adopted the seal, which is placed on a diploma or given as a certificate.

It's thought to help elevate world language programs in K-12 schools and give students a goal to reach for.

Since no classwork is necessary, however, it also recognizes immigrant students who are fluent in a language they speak at home, such as Vietnamese or Bosnian, in addition to English.

Read the full article at https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/education/academic/2018/04/18/new-high-school-honor-iowa-approves-seal-biliteracy-speaking-two-languages/525982002/

For more information about the Iowa Seal of Biliteracy, go to http://sealofbiliteracy.org/iowa