The New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB)
The NYSSB is an award bestowed by the Commissioner of Education, recognizing high school graduates, earning a Regents Diploma, who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and one or more other world languages.
The intent of the NYSSB is to encourage the study of languages, identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employers and universities, to recognize the value of language instruction, and to affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society.
Why pursue the New York State Seal of Biliteracy?
STUDENTS – Less than five percent of graduating seniors are awarded the Seal! This distinguishes students from other high school graduates and attests to their high proficiency level in English and one or more world languages. Their high school diploma will bear a special Seal of Biliteracy and they will receive a medallion to wear at graduation.
TEACHERS – Recognize the hard work of your students, while bolstering enrollment in your courses. Showcase the wonderfully rich and rigorous instruction you provide in English and world languages to parents and your school’s community. A culminating project provides two points toward the seal and can be easily embedded into your courses.
ADMINISTRATORS – The NYSSB not only supports rigorous curriculum and high achievement, it also positively contributes to your school’s ESSA Accountability score in the same way as Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses and the Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation.
Our RBERN specialist Meredith Rivet is on the NYSSB Taskforce. Please reach out with any questions to 518-479-6865 or meredith.rivet@questar.org