Argo bilingual students display their chords and Seal of Biliteracy certificates. (supplied photo)
Argo has record number of grads earn Seal of Biliteracy
By Carol McGowan
Argo High School just set a school record for the number of students who achieved the Seal of Biliteracy.
More than 80 students were recently given the award, and graduated achieving the seal in multiple languages this year.
Prior to graduation, the students were invited to get together and enjoy a complimentary breakfast and receive a graduation chord and certificate.
Al Hasan, Humanities Assistant Division Chair and EL Coordinator at Argo, said this year was exceptional.
“This year we have 84 students that will graduate with the Seal of Biliteracy, we normally have 50 at the most. Five achieved in multiple languages, including Polish, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.”
“We are very excited about our program here at Argo, and a great benefit is a student also receives college credit for being bilingual.”
“Argo offers Spanish, and other languages are often learned at home. At least two students this year were self-taught, and speak English, Arabic, Spanish and Portuguese,” added Hasan.
A public school district or nonpublic school may establish the State Seal of Biliteracy program to recognize high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and in one or more other foreign, or world, languages. This recognition must be designated on a student’s transcript and high school diploma with a receipt of the State Seal of Biliteracy, provided that all conditions and requirements for the program have been met.
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