Minnesota Bilingual Seals

Students must do the following to receive a certificate and seal: 

• Complete the application linked here. Testing occurs in late April through early May of each year. Students must complete a registration form between July 1 and February 28. Outside of the registration window, please email Kristie O'Brien for questions or to stay informed.
• If the student successfully demonstrates a certain proficiency level on all four domains of the language, students will receive a certificate with their Bilingual Seal at the time of graduation and level of proficiency will be indicated on student’s transcript. A student must also demonstrate proficiency in English by having met the required English Language Arts credit for high school graduation. 
• Students must request the college semester credits from the college/university within three academic years of graduation from high school and upon enrollment.

To be eligible to take the test, students must be in 10th, 11th or 12th grade and meet one of the following:

• Use a language other than or in addition to English at home or in their community
• Be currently enrolled in German or Spanish level 4 or above, or in AP Spanish
• Be in Grade 12 with some level of foreign language experience

Bilingual Seals recognize more than just language skills — they celebrate identity, culture, and determination. These awards can boost college applications, open career opportunities, and help students feel proud of their full linguistic and cultural story

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) will award college semester credit to graduating high school students who receive bilingual and multilingual seals and world language proficiency certificates. Students must request the college semester credit within three academic years of graduation from high school and upon enrollment in a Minnesota State college or university.

College credit may also be available at other colleges and universities in Minnesota. It is recommended that students speak to the admissions counselor at those schools to learn more information.

Proficiency assessments must be based on the ACTFL guidelines and taken through Winona Area Public Schools. A list of assessments can be found on the MDE World Language webpage. 

In addition to demonstrating the required proficiency levels in a language other than English on an assessment based on the America Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), students must:

• Earn an English Language Arts credit
• Take a World Proficiency Test 

Students will be informed of their results when available (usually 2 to 3 weeks after testing). The state will be notified of the award earned and will send certificates. Certificates will be awarded during the Senior Academic Awards Ceremony in May.

The Seal or Certificate will be annotated on the student’s high school transcript. Students have three years after graduation to apply for the credits through the Minnesota State College or University of their choice.

Students going to other post-secondary institutions are encouraged to check with their admissions counselor for potential credit opportunities.