Oregon Seal of Biliteracy
Test Information
Online registration is closed. Please email Patrick Mordhorst at pmordhorst@centralcatholichigh.org to register.
What It Is
The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by the State of Oregon in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in English and one or more world languages by high school graduation.
The intent of the Seal of Biliteracy is to recognize and value the native language/s students speak and bring to their English academic studies, to value language programs in schools, to encourage students in the study of languages, and to create generations of citizens, ready for a multilingual society.
The Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy (OSSB) recognized 22 different languages in 2020, including Chinuk Wawa, Nez Perce, and Umatilla, three of the languages spoken by several of the nine federally recognized tribes in Oregon. In addition, students from the Oregon School of the Deaf earned the Seal in American Sign Language (ASL).
Test Information
Language competency is determined by scores earned on the STAMP 4S or WS tests.
- Two test dates will be offered February 28, 2024, and March 20, 2024, administered at Central Catholic High School from 7:30 am to 9:30 am
- Seal of Biliteracy testing will be held in the Old Cafe
- Students need to bring their Surface Pro and headphones
- Please use the Surface Pro to go through TECHNOLOGY CHECK
- If you plan to test for the following languages you will need to download a Chrome extension on your Surface Pro:
- Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Cantonese, Mandarin (Traditional and Simplified), Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Marathi, Russian, Tamil, Telugu, Vietnamese, Urdu.
- Students must take a minimum of two tests – one in English, and one in each world language for which they wish to be recognized. Native English speakers must also take the English language exam.
- Cost is $60 per student – this includes one English exam and one world language exam (financial assistance is available)
- To earn the Seal, students must earn a 6 or higher on the STAMP test for each language test. A score of 4 or higher on the AP language test qualifies for languages other than English.
- If interested in the Oregon Seal of Multiliteracy (more than two languages) please contact Patrick Mordhorst to set up an extra testing date
Why It Is Important
There are many benefits of earning the OSSB:
- To recognize and affirm the value of diversity, and honor the multiple cultures and languages of a community
- To certify attainment of Biliteracy as students apply for colleges and programs that look for students who are ready to contribute to a global society
- To provide employers with a method of identifying people with language and Biliteracy skills
- To provide post-secondary institutions with a method to give academic credit to applicants seeking admission
How It is Awarded
The State Seal of Biliteracy is marked by a gold seal on the student’s high school diploma and recorded on the student’s official academic transcript. Central Catholic students who earn the Seal of Biliteracy are recognized at graduation with a yellow, green, and white cord, and identified in the graduation program.
Once scores are received, Central Catholic administrators will file the application for the OSSB for eligible students.
Questions?
Koty Cole, English Department Chair (kcole@centralcatholichigh.org
Mariko Tokoyoda, World Language Department Chair (mtokoyoda@
Patrick Mordhorst, Assistant Principal of Curriculum Design and Instruction (pmordhorst@