BILITERACY AWARDS
Information from TUSD (Torrance Unified School District):
Californians Together developed the concept of a Seal of Biliteracy in 2008 and worked throughout the state to help school sites, districts and others adopt and implement the Seal of Biliteracy. Over 197 school districts are currently granting the awards, and increasing numbers of state and national professional organizations and other entities have endorsed the Seal (from californianstogether.org).
The creation of the Seal of Biliteracy was motivated by a number of purposes including:
-
To encourage students to study world languages
-
To certify the attainment of biliteracy skills- for employers, and for colleges
-
To communicate the value of language diversity
-
To prepare students with 21st Centry skills that will benefit them in the labor market and the global society
-
To strengthen intergroup relationships and honor the multiple cultures and languages in a community.
Since 2012, Torrance Unified School District has joined the celebration of recognizing and honoring multi-literacy skill of our students by promoting the The Seal of Biliteracy and the Pathway Awards.
In 2016-2017 school year, TUSD awarded over 300 State Biliteracy Seal to the graduating seniors. Over 70 5th and 8th grade students have been awarded with the Pathway Awards.
5th and 8th Grade Pathway Awards
The "TUSD Pathway to Biliteracy" will be awarded to 5th and 8th grade students. They must demonstate proficiency in English and another language, including American Sign Language. The award is given at the end of the school year in the form of a trophy. Please refer to the application for details on the requirement.
12th Biliteracy Seal
Students who are qualified will get the State Seal in their diploma and it will be noted on the transcript. Recipients will also be awarded with meadllions to be recognized in teh month of graduation (school sites vary in ways they recognize the award). Please contact your school office for application details. Students should make sure that they are suing the 2018-19 application.
2018-19 Biliteracy Seal and the Pathway Award Deadlines for Parents.
Please take a look at the deadlines for the paperwork to the school sites and deadlines for the district office.
| Grade | Parents to the school sites |
|---|---|
| 5th |
April 4, 2019 (APPLICATIONS & READING LOG) |
| 8th |
April 4, 2019 (APPLICATIONS & READING LOG) |
| 12th | March 29, 2019 (applications and documents) |
Documents: All applications are accessible to parents on el.tusd.org
| 5th | 8th | 12th |
|---|---|---|
| For Teachers and Parents | For Teachers and parents | For Teachers and Parents |
| 5th Pathway application |