World Language & Seal of Biliteracy
Tahoma School District is committed to ensuring students who speak, write, read, and comprehend one or more world languages, earn the credit and recognition they deserve for their language proficiency.
The
World Language Competency-Based Assessment allows students to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking in any language and earn transcript credits, even if that language is not offered at our schools.
Test Eligibility - If you can answer "yes" to
all of the "I can" statements below in a language other than English, please complete the registration form for your appropriate grade level.
- I can understand ideas on familiar topics expresses through phrases, short sentences, and frequently used expressions. [Listening]
- I can understand the main idea and some details in simple texts that contain familiar vocabulary. [Reading]
- I can exchange information with another person about familiar tasks, topics and activities. [Person-to-Person Communication]
- I can use a series of phrases and sentences to provide basic information about familiar topics. [Spoken Production]
- I can write simple descriptions and short messages and request or provide information on familiar topics. [Writing]
*Note: If you have taken 2 or more years of an AP World Language course, you should take the AP exam in the language to demonstrate your proficiency.
The
Washington State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes public high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in one or more languages in addition to English.
Students qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy by:
- Earning 4 credits in ELA coursework
- Meeting all graduation requirements, including proficiency in approved ELA State Assessments
- Demonstrating proficiency in another language by earning 4 credits on an approved language competency test
Students who have earned the Seal of Biliteracy receive a medallion their senior year to wear for graduation and a gold Seal is placed on their diploma.
Please note: Students cannot "double dip" with seat time and competency-based credits. For example, if an 8th grader earns 3 competency-based credits, but in 10th grade the student decides to register for Spanish 3 anyway, the competency-based credit for Spanish 3 would be zeroed out and the graded seat time credit would be added.
For more information on high school testing and the Seal of Biliteracy, contact
Kathryn Strojan, THS Future Ready Specialist. For middle school testing information, contact Jennifer Otte at Summit Trail or Heidi Chamberlain at Maple View.
2022-2023 Testing Information:
High school test dates:
Spring 2023: Testing March 2*
8th grade test dates:
Spring 2023: March 7* (Summit Trail Middle School); March 8 (Maple View Middle School)
*Registration now closed for the 22/23 school year.
STAMP/Worldspeak are computer based tests. Students must be able to read, type and speak in the tested language and understand instructions in English. Native speakers and students with documented financial need may request their first test attempt at no charge. If you do not see your language listed below, you will be assigned an ALTA test ($136).
STAMP: Arabic, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin (Simplified & Traditional), Polish, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, Spanish
Worldspeak: Amharic, Armenian, Cabo Verdean, Chin (Hakha), Chuukese, Czech, Filipino (Tagalog), Haitian Creole, Hawaiian (Olelo Hawai'i), Hmong, Ilocano, Kannada, Marathi, Marshallese, Samoan, Somali Maay Maay, Somali Maxaa, Tamil, Telugu, Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese, Yup'ik, Zomi
Family Resources:
Competency Credit for Students (OSPI)
World Languages (OSPI)
Competency Testing (OSPI)
WA State Seal of Biliteracy (OSPI)
Tests:
STAMP - Avant
ALTA - ALTA Language Services
WorldSpeak - Avant