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The Mississippi Seal of Biliteracy
As of the 2019-2020 school year, the Petal School District is one of only eleven school districts in the state of Mississippi to offer the Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal of Biliteracy, or SOBL, is a nationally-recognized, prestigious award given to students that can demonstrate their proficiency in both English and at least one other language.
What Is the Seal?
Students who demonstrate proficiency in English and another language through one of the MDE-approved exams have the opportunity to earn either a Gold or a Silver seal on their high school transcript. While colleges and universities across the nation approach the SOBL differently, many schools accept the seal as proof of language ability, and students may have the chance to waive language requirements or advance to higher-level courses via the seal.
What languages can I earn the Seal in?
Students can earn the SOBL in a multitude of languages! While we offer French and Spanish as courses at the high school level, any student who is proficient in another language may apply for the seal. While the tests that are available to you may vary, the seal can be offered in most languages.
French, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin, Arabic, Korean, Japanese, German, Hindi, Russian, Thai, Portuguese, Hebrew, Polish, American Sign Language, Latin, Amharic, Somali, Urdu, and Native American Tribal languages already have established tests, and other languages may become available soon.
What is the English requirement?
In order to demonstrate proficiency in the English language, students must provide documentation of at least one of the following:
- Pass the English II State Test with a score of at least 4
- Pass the English section of the S.A.T. with a score of at least 320
- Pass the English section of the A.C.T. with a score of at least 18
- Pass the A.P. English exams (either Literature or Language Composition) with a score of at least 3
- Pass the M.D.E. English Language Proficiency Test with a score of at least 4 in all domains
If you speak a language at home that is not included above, come talk to us! We can work something out.
What is the World Language requirement?
In order to demonstrate proficiency in a world language, students must provide documentation of at least one of the following:
- Pass the A.P. French, Spanish, German or Italian exam with a score of at least 3
- Pass the AAPPL ACTFL Proficiency Exam with at least an I4/Intermediate Mid score in all 4 domains
- Pass the Avant STAMP test with at least an L4/Intermediate Mid in all 4 domains
- Pass the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview with a score of at least 3
- Pass the Alternate Evidence Portfolio Assessment for certain languages with a score of at least 3
Who do I contact to get started?
