By Bob Katzen

The House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that makes it easier for students to receive a State Seal of Biliteracy which is awarded by school districts to students who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and at least one other language. The seal appears on the transcript or diploma of the graduating senior and is a statement of accomplishment for future college admission and employers.

Under current law, in order to qualify for the seal, a student must meet criteria established by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) including a specified level of performance on the 10th grade language arts exams of the MCAS, and at least one nationally recognized and readily available assessment that measures literacy in a language other than English.

The bill that the House approved updates these criteria by changing the MCAS requirement to allow another assessment or equivalent alternative to be established by BESE.

“Under the current law, some bilingual students have been unintentionally excluded,” said sponsor Rep. Jack Lewis (D-Framingham). “Until now, the only way to prove English proficiency was by passing the 10th grade English MCAS. That meant if you attended a private school that didn’t administer the MCAS, you were ineligible, even if you earned a five on your AP English exam and a perfect score on the SAT.”

“[My] bill addresses this issue,” continued Lewis. “Once it becomes law, all bilingual students, regardless of the high school they attend, will be eligible for this important designation.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes