What is the Seal of Biliteracy?
The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language (including American Sign Language). The seal certifies that a student is proficient in all modes of a language, such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing. VHHS offers both the Alabama State Seal and the Global Seal of Biliteracy. Students will be assessed in their sophomore, junior, or senior year for language proficiency. Qualified students will be recognized at an induction ceremony in the fall of their senior year.

Who can achieve the Seal of Biliteracy?
Any student at VHHS can apply for and work toward attaining the Seal of Biliteracy. The seal can be awarded for any world languages studied at VHHS or any heritage languages learned at home. In order to attain the required proficiency level at VHHS, students should plan to take 4 consecutive years of the language. Heritage speakers should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in both spoken and written language.

What is the Global Seal of Biliteracy?
The Global Seal of Biliteracy is a language proficiency certification recognized worldwide that provides access to anyone (both students and graduates) interested in being formally certified for achieving a high standard of proficiency in two or more languages. The Global Seal of Biliteracy awards 3 differing levels of language fluency: Functional Fluency, Working Fluency, and Professional Fluency. The Functional and Working Fluency level can be achieved through the VHHS Seal of Biliteracy Program. Please see https://theglobalseal.com/ for more information.

How do the Seal of Biliteracy and Global Seal of Biliteracy benefit students?
Knowing a second language and understanding other cultures increases students' marketability to both universities and employers. In our global society, cultural competency and language proficiency have become essential skills for the workplace and are required in many fields. In Vestavia Hills alone, more than 40 languages are spoken. The Seal of Biliteracy rewards students who value cultural awareness and can apply their language abilities to real-life settings. The Global Seal of Biliteracy certifications may enable students to earn college credit, to apply for scholarships or study abroad programs, and to access employment opportunities or pay differentials.