The State Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by the State of Illinois to high school seniors at graduation in recognition of attaining a high level of proficiency in English and in one or more additional languages. It is highlighted on high school diplomas and serves as a statement of accomplishment for college admission and for future employment. Seal recipients can earn college credit at public colleges and universities in the state of Illinois.
High school graduates who have a heritage language other than English and English-speaking students who have studied a new language other than English are the intended recipients of this distinction. Participants include students who are English learners, former English learners and students who were never English learners. Bilingualism is an asset to be celebrated for all CPS students.
Students who come close to meriting the Seal at the high school level might meet the criteria to receive the State Commendation Toward Biliteracy, demonstrating progress toward full biliteracy in English and another language.
Seal of Biliteracy Awards
To qualify for the Seal, graduating seniors must demonstrate proficiency in English and a World Language according to the criteria listed by the Illinois State Board of Education. Seniors have an opportunity to take language assessments during a testing window in the spring.
SY25-26 Seal of Biliteracy one page info sheet
SY25-26 Seal of Biliteracy in CPS (presentation slides in English)
SY25-26 Seal of Biliteracy in CPS (presentation slides in Spanish)
Questions can be sent to seal@cps.edu.
High School seniors: To be considered for this recognition, please check in with your school first. Some schools collect information at the school level before submitting it to CPS and others prefer that you complete this application directly.
A google form link will be added here in December for high school seniors to use to indicate that they want to participate in language testing during the testing window.
CPS Pathways Toward Biliteracy
The CPS Pathway to Biliteracy Award for 5th & 8th grade students is a recognition for students who are enrolled in bilingual, Dual Language, or Word Language programs and demonstrate the required proficiency in a language other than English.
Schools with eligible 5th and/or 8th graders can opt-in to have these students participate in testing to determine if they are eligible to receive an award for being on a pathway to becoming bilingual and biliterate.
SY25-26 Pathway to Biliteracy one page info sheet.
Questions can be sent to seal@cps.edu.