Willowbrook students earn state-level world language recognition

On May 17, Willowbrook honored 54 students who have earned the State Seal of Biliteracy recognition and the State Commendation toward Biliteracy recognition. To watch the presentation, click on the video above.

The State Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to graduating high school students who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in English and in reading, writing, listening and speaking in another language. The State Commendation toward Biliteracy is given to graduating high school students who have demonstrated significant progress toward achieving a high level of proficiency in English and in reading, writing, listening and speaking in another language. The level achieved by a student is determined by that student’s performance on a state-approved standardized assessment to measure English proficiency and proficiency in a foreign language. For more information, go to https://tinyurl.com/ybba7eth.

The State Seal of Biliteracy and Commendation are placed on the student’s diploma and transcript as an official credential certified by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). Colleges and universities have the option to accept the State Seal of Biliteracy for college credit. Students also were recognized during Willowbrook’s Senior Recognition Assembly, and they received yard signs, as well as cords to wear during graduation.

To view a list of the Willowbrook students who have received these recognitions, go to https://tinyurl.com/ycy4uuyr.

“We are proud to have expanded our ability to test students in all of the languages offered at Willowbrook, as well as many students’ home languages, including Arabic, Indonesian, Polish, Urdu, Tagalog and Tamil,” said Katie Strand, Willowbrook World Language Department Chair. “The Seal is an amazing way to showcase not only the hard work our students and World Language teachers put in to advance student proficiency, but also honor the linguistic diversity of our student body. I'm so proud of the students who received this recognition.”