The Russellville City Board of Education approved a plan to recognize and honor graduating seniors who demonstrate proficiency in English and another language.
On April 1, 2022, a new Alabama law went into effect that provides for a designation on a student's high school diploma if the student “demonstrates an intermediate level of proficiency in English and at least one other world language, including American Sign Language.”
This designation applies to students at high schools whose boards of education approve the plan, which the RCS Board did Tuesday.
RHS EL/ML teacher Edmund Martinez told the board there would be 32 RHS seniors who will receive the special designation on their diplomas in May. While many of those are students proficient in English and Spanish, Martinez said there were several students whose proficiency in Native Indian dialects also are included in the state's plan.
“We will be the first in the state to do so,” Martinez said at Tuesday's meeting.
The special designation on the graduate's diploma shows potential employers and universities which students are bilingual and those who prioritize the study of other languages and cultures.
The Alabama Seal of Biliteracy states: The Alabama Seal of Biliteracy emphasizes the importance of both bilingualism, which facilitates improved communication and boosts the local economy and cultural understanding that promotes social acceptance.
In a school system that has almost 60 percent Hispanic enrollment, the improved communication and cultural understanding can have a significant impact in the City of Russellville, RCS Superintendent Heath Grimes said.
The bar is set high when it comes to the criteria to receive the Alabama Seal of Biliteracy. It requires a student to earn a composite score of Level 4.8 or higher on the ACCESS test, and an Advanced Placement Language Examination score of 3 or higher.
“It's quite an honor that we have 32 students to be certified with the Alabama Seal of Bureaucracy. These students demonstrated achievement both in English and another language at a very high level,” Grimes said.
Grimes also recognized Martinez' efforts in working with students to assist and encourage them to work towards the dual language certification.
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