On Feb. 5 and 6, students across the school met in the library to take the annual Seal of Biliteracy Exam. Testing their proficiency, they proved their linguistic mastery in a total of 12 different languages from around the world.

The Seal of Biliteracy is a four-part test, analyzing a student’s skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking in another language. To earn the seal, students must receive an Intermediate Three rating in all four categories. To earn the distinguished seal, students must receive an Advanced One rating in all four categories. The test can take anywhere from two to seven hours, depending on pacing.

“It’s an official way of saying that you’re proficient in another language. Students use it on their resumes for future jobs. Instead of just mentioning that you’re proficient, you have an official proficiency level that you can demonstrate concretely,” Seal of Biliteracy Liaison and Spanish teacher Dominique Navarro said.

Additionally, certain universities accept language proficiency and the Seal of Biliteracy for credit, allowing them to fulfill foreign language requirements or helping them pursue a minor in that language. Some universities include Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and various Missouri universities.

Last year, senior Charlotte Putnam earned her seal in Spanish, and she has continued using her skills in her travels to four different Spanish-speaking countries.

“I think it’s very important [to learn a second language] because you can immerse yourself in that culture. [It’s] also really fun when you travel because the locals appreciate it in a way. Instead of just being another tourist, you’re able to make a connection,” Putnam said.

Similarly, junior Xavier Merriman earned his seal in Latin. He has been studying Latin since 7th grade. 

“I think [knowing another language] is [good] if you want to be more educated in other cultures. Latin isn’t a common [spoken] language, but I plan to go into a scientific field, and a lot of science terms have Latin roots in them,” Merriman said. “I feel proud that I [earned the seal] because it wasn’t easy, [and] it shows my dedication over multiple years. I’ve taken Latin since middle school, so it’s a decent accomplishment.”

Last year, Parkway students earned 245 total seals in nearly 30 languages, beating every other participating school district by more than 100 total awards. This year, Parkway has found similar success. Here at West, 61 students earned the seal out of 109 original applicants.

“In general, the number [of recipients] goes up every year because people are more aware that it’s something that they can do, but it’s been pretty steady [from] last year to this year,” Navarro said. “I think maybe starting earlier and doing routine practices starting in August [would better help students prepare]. I’ve recently thought about it, but I try to stick to the curriculum and then have a focused session right before they take [the test].”

There are a number of resources that students can use to prepare for the test. First, the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages offers demo tests for some languages on its website. ACTFL also displays potential topics for the test on its website. Finally, advanced students are welcome to test with the Global Seal of Biliteracy, which offers three different fluency levels and worldwide recognition. To develop language skills, Navarro suggests immersion in the target language, whether it be through music, movies or changing your phone’s language.

Earning the Seal of Biliteracy is a meaningful accomplishment for scores of students across the school. Whether they received a seal this year or they’re doubling down on their efforts for the next, the award reaffirms the progress they’ve made thus far in learning a second language and in unlocking another culture.

“I’m just very proud of myself for being able to [earn the seal] because the test is really hard. It’s a lot of coming up with things on the fly, and it’s not really something you can study for,” Putnam said. “It just meant a lot to me that I was able to persevere. It is hard, but it is possible to do. Try your best, and you can never give too many details.”