Seal of Biliteracy
Beginning with the graduating high school class of 2021, college students in Rhode Island can earn credit toward a major or minor in language at a Rhode Island public university or community college. Students must have demonstrated proficiency in both English Language Arts and a nationally-recognized world language standards and request credit within three years of graduation. Proficiency is measured by RIDE-approved assessments.
Per RIDE policy (available here), the Seal of Biliteracy can be achieved at two levels:
Gold Seal of Biliteracy: The Rhode Island Gold Seal of Biliteracy will be awarded to students who have demonstrated their ability to narrate and describe in past, present, and future in a world language. Their language functions allow them to deal effectively with unanticipated complications. The Gold level is aligned with the ACTFL “Advanced Low” Proficiency Guidelines (2012).
Students will earn a Gold Seal of Biliteracy if they meet the performance standard on an English assessment and the Gold-level performance standard on a World Language assessment from the RIDE-approved assessment list.
Silver Seal of Biliteracy: The Rhode Island Silver Seal of Biliteracy will be awarded to students who have demonstrated ability to create with language, initiate, maintain, and bring to close a simple conversation by asking and responding to simple questions in a world language. The Silver level is aligned with the ACTFL “Intermediate Mid” Proficiency Guidelines (2012).
Students will earn a Silver Seal of Biliteracy if they meet the performance standard on an English assessment and the Silver-level performance standard on a World Language assessment from the RIDE-approved assessment list.
RIC Award of College Credit for the Seal of Biliteracy:
Silver Seal of Biliteracy:
Credit for a 113-level language, which also will satisfy the college’s second language requirement (4 credits).
Gold Seal of Biliteracy:
Credit for 113 and 114-level languages, which satisfy the College's second language requirement; 113 serves as the pre-req for 115 in the major (8 credits).