Seal of Biliteracy

Background and Purpose
Updated Rules for English Proficiency

Background and Purpose

The Washington State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes public high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English. To earn the Seal of Biliteracy, students must demonstrate proficiency in English and in one or more world languages. The previous requirement for students to pass the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) in English Language Arts (ELA) has been removed with this rule change. English proficiency must now be demonstrated by meeting the statewide minimum graduation requirements in English established by the State Board of Education under RCW 28A.230.090 and by graduating with their chosen pathway (RCW 28A.300.575, WAC 392-410-350). World language proficiency must be demonstrated through an OSPI approved assessment

Updated Rules for English Proficiency

To earn the Seal of Biliteracy, students must demonstrate proficiency in English. English proficiency must be demonstrated by meeting the statewide minimum graduation requirements in English Language Arts for the student’s chosen pathway established by the State Board of Education under RCW 28A.655.250 . If a student has shown enough English proficiency to graduate, then that is appropriate to prove English proficiency for the Seal. Students in all graduation pathways or an approved waiver during SY21-22 are eligible for the Seal. More information can be found on OPSI's website.

Testing Information

To earn the Seal of Biliteracy, students must demonstrate proficiency in BOTH English AND one or more world languages.

Students must be enrolled in Grades 7-12 to register for this assessment.
Students must be able to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking for English AND one or more languages.
Students can register for any of the test dates/locations. Transportation is not provided.
Tests take approximately 3.5 hours.

ALTA

STAMP/Worldspeak

Registration and Payment Processing

STEP 1:

Select your Language in which you would like to be assessed in (Fee is based on language choice) You will be tested in your ability to Read, Write, Listen & Speak in your selected language.

It is highly recommended to view sample tests prior to your selection: https://avantassessment.com/sample-tests If you do not see the language you would like to test, please email the District Testing Coordinator :kristine.lemme@ssd412.org

FEES

Stamp: $25.00 unless otherwise stated on the language list

ALTA: $141.00

STEP 2:

Click here to MAKE A PAYMENT Reminder: SAVE YOUR RECEIPT to upload below.

To request financial assistance, please email your school contact or counselor and attach the screenshot of their scholarship approval instead of the receipt.

If you have forgotten your password, please visit https://wa-shoreline.intouchreceipting.com/accountrecover.aspx and a password reset message will be sent to your email address on file.
HINT: Check your junk mail or spam folder for the password reset email.

STEP 3:

Results of your assessment will be sent out via Parent Square 2-3 weeks following your completed testing date.

2026-2027 Testing Schedule and Location

Deadline to Register / Pay	Testing Date	Location	School Contacts
Nov. 4, 2026	Nov. 18, 2026	Shorewood	Kyrie Cataldo
Nov. 18, 2026	Dec. 2, 2026	Shorecrest	Jackie King
March 24, 2027	April 7, 2027	Shorewood	Kyrie Cataldo
March 31, 2027	April 14, 2027	Shorecrest	Jackie King
TBD	TBD	Einstein	Jessica Lee-Torvik
TBD	TBD	Kellogg	TBD

Calculating Credits

Click to view ALTA Rating Scale

First page of the PDF file: WLCompetencyScoringGuide-SampleProcedureSTAMP-WorldSpeak_2

Washington State Seal of Biliteracy

Wanting to know how to earn the Seal of Biliteracy? Check out the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy Information from OPSI.

Frequently Asked Questions/Resources

Questions?

Contact the District Testing Coordinator: kristine.lemme@ssd412.org

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