Seal of Biliteracy Support

Languages: Any

Read our research brief on the Seal of Biliteracy here.

The AELRC is researching current approaches to and challenges of implementing the Seal of Biliteracy and articulation between secondary and postsecondary teaching.

Dr. Nic Subtirelu is conducting research to investigate national and local efforts to promote the Seal; the impact of the Seal on both enrollment in and articulation to foreign language courses in higher education; and the degree to which the Seal is accessible to groups whose existing language abilities often go unrecognized (such as heritage language users) or who have not been adequately represented in foreign language education (such as students of color). Methods include analysis of data from national, state, and local agencies as well as stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and surveys.

This research will lead to the development of recommended practices, procedures, and materials for ensuring that the Seal of Biliteracy is implemented in a way that expands opportunities for language study, promotes rigorous assessment of language skills, and effectively highlights the valuable skills that foreign language learners and heritage language users can offer to employers and institutions of higher education.

In addition to the research into practice brief, the AELRC will also incorporate this research into a series of face-to-face and online professional development opportunities in student learning outcomes assessment for language educators, focusing on making them available to and relevant for teachers in heritage programs, community colleges, and other underrepresented settings. Thus, we will be able to examine not only the effectiveness of formal language education, but also the impact of the Seal on less commonly taught languages and articulation from secondary to post-secondary contexts.

A collaboration of the AELRC, Montgomery County Community College, the University of Georgia, the University of Connecticut, Glastonbury [CT] Public Schools, and the National Council of State Supervisors for Languages.