NYS Seal of Biliteracy
What is the New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB)?
The New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages, in addition to English. The intent of the NYSSB is to affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society, encourage the study of languages, identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employers, provide universities with additional information about applicants seeking admission, prepare students with twenty-first century skills, and to recognize the value of world and home language instruction in schools.
How will the student receive the accreditation?
The NYSSB will be awarded by the Commissioner to students who meet the criteria established by the Board of Regents. The NYSSB seal will be affixed to the high school diploma and/or language included on the student transcript of graduating students attaining the NYSSB criteria. Some students may be awarded the NYSSB after graduation due to test result data release dates. In this case, during the graduation ceremony, these students will be recognized as “candidates for the New York State Seal of Biliteracy”.
NYSSB Student Flyer (pdf)
NYSSB Parent Flyer (pdf)