A unified community educating the whole child
Seal of Biliteracy
The East Ramapo Central School District recognizes bilingualism and multiculturalism as a vital part of the skills needed for success in the 21st Century. The ability to speak, understand, and write in more than one language offers students many academic advantages as well as opens the door for a variety of future careers.
The East Ramapo Central School District offers Spring Valley and Ramapo High School 11th and 12th grade students the unique opportunity to obtain a New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) on their High School Diplomas. High school students who demonstrate proficiency in English and a World Language may apply for the Seal of Biliteracy as early as their junior year. Since this program was introduced in the East Ramapo Central School District, approximately 300 bilingual students have earned their seal.
What is the NYSSB? The NYSSB recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and one or more world languages. The intent of the NYSSB is to encourage the study of languages, to identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employers, to provide universities with additional information about applicants seeking admission and placement, to prepare students with twenty-first century skills, to recognize the value of language instruction, and to affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society. Successful candidates will earn three points in English and three points in each world language from a points matrix, which includes course grades, national and state exams, transcripts, and culminating projects. The NYSSB takes the form of a Seal on the student's diploma and a medallion worn at graduation.
Criteria
In order to be eligible to earn The Seal of Biliteracy, students must meet the criteria outlined in this document: Criteria to Earn the New York State Seal of Biliteracy
Schoology groups will be created for each high school building and eligible students will be added to those groups. For more information regarding how students can apply and for a list of all the requirements and criteria to earn the New York State Seal of Biliteracy, please view the East Ramapo Central School District's Seal of Biliteracy Handbook.
Information for Students
If you are a current Seal of Biliteracy Candidate or interested in applying to become a candidate, please view the forms below regarding the criteria and requirements to earn the New York State Seal of Biliteracy.
New York State Seals of Distinction Ceremony
“Many of our students are multilingual learners who came to this country against tremendous odds. Some arrived alone, carrying only a dream and memories of home. Others came as young children, learning to navigate two worlds at once. Yet here you are — strong, brilliant and proud,” said Julisa Rincon-Tomizawa, assistant superintendent of multilingual education. “You are not losing your cultures; you are finding power in them. Your languages, experiences and identities are strengths, and they will continue to open doors for you throughout your lives.”
That message of pride, perseverance and achievement resonated throughout the New York State Seals of Distinction Ceremony on Monday evening, as district administrators, families and staff gathered in Ramapo High School's auditorium to celebrate students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in multilingualism, civic engagement, cultural awareness and academic excellence.
Forty-one East Ramapo students earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy, a distinction awarded by the commissioner of education to graduates who have met the requirements for a Regents diploma and demonstrated a high level of proficiency in English and at least one additional language. The seal recognizes not only language proficiency but also the cultural competence and global perspective students bring to their future college and career endeavors. Recipients will wear a special cord during graduation ceremonies on June 26.
In addition, six of those students also earned the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness, recognizing their achievement in civic knowledge, civic skills, civic mindset and civic experiences. The seal highlights students' commitment to active citizenship and meaningful engagement in their communities.
Following the ceremony, students and families gathered in the cafeteria for a festive reception featuring dinner, dessert and dancing as they celebrated this important milestone together.
As they prepare for graduation, we congratulate these exceptional Gryphons and Tigers on this distinguished honor and wish them continued success in all that lies ahead.
