Rule 7-3-28.8 - Mississippi Seal of Biliteracy1.Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish minimum criteria for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in awarding Seals of Biliteracy. The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes and awards students who have attained proficiency in one or more world languages and English by high school graduation. The Seal of Biliteracy demonstrates attainment of biliteracy for students, employers, and postsecondary institutions. It also signals a student's readiness for college and career and for engagement as a global citizen. Participation in the Mississippi Department of Education's (MDE) Seal of Biliteracy shall be determined by LEAs. Beginning school year 2019-2020 the MDE shall require participating school districts to follow the award process as defined in the Mississippi Seal of Biliteracy Guidance Document. LEAs are also required to report Seal of Biliteracy award data to the MDE.
2.District Requirements when Awarding the Seal of Biliteracy Each district shall adopt local school board policy which adheres to the basic standards set forth by the MDE.3.Standards:a. The Seal shall be completed by an eligible student's high school graduation date.b. The Seal shall be noted on the high school transcript as a credential that can be viewed by colleges, universities, and future employers.c. LEAs shall set up their own process for collecting, recording, and maintaining the data for students receiving the Seal of Biliteracy. This shall include the evidence verifying criteria for Seal had been met upon which attaining the Seal is based, the number of Silver Seals of Biliteracy and Gold Seals of Biliteracy awarded, and the languages other than English in which students earned the Seal. The data shall also be divided into subgroups specifying the number of students earning the Seal who are former English learners and the number of students who are native English speakers.Miss. Code Ann. § 37-1-3 (Adopted TBD)