DURHAM – The Oyster River Cooperative School District (ORCSD) is pleased to announce that it will offer a district-level Seal of Biliteracy award, beginning in the 2024-2025 school year.
The State Seal of Biliteracy award recognizes the value of language diversity and encourages students to pursue language learning.
Students who earn this designation will receive the state seal on their high school diploma and a state-issued award certificate. In addition, documentation of this accomplishment will be included on the student’s official high school transcript, a distinction valued by prospective employers and institutions of higher education.
ORCSD administrators have been working on this award with faculty and staff since New Hampshire Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut approved the adoption of the Seal of Biliteracy in 2021.
To receive the seal, students must reach a high level of proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. Language may have been learned within the classroom or outside of the academic setting. Students also will need to reach all graduation requirements, follow attainment procedures, and demonstrate proficiency through an approved assessment.
“We are pleased to offer our new Seal of Biliteracy Award to ORCSD students,” said Superintendent Shaps. “This new opportunity reinforces the district’s commitment to offer educational opportunities that allow students to embrace a multicultural perspective, helping them to thrive in an interconnected and global world.”
More information about the process and eligibility will be shared with students, parents and guardians in the 2024-2025 school year.