AL HB407

State Department of Education shall develop and award a State Seal of Biliteracy to high school students demonstrating intermediate-level proficiency in English and at least one other world language, including American Sign Language, with voluntary school district participation.

Students must meet proficiency requirements in English through standardized assessments including ACT English (score 18+), ACT Reading (score 20+), Advanced Placement (score 3+), International Baccalaureate (score 5+), or equivalent benchmarks for non-native speakers.

World language proficiency requires intermediate-mid level or higher performance on approved assessments including Advanced Placement, ACTFL, International Baccalaureate, Common European Framework, or district-certified language examinations; assessments must evaluate listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

State Department of Education must prepare and deliver insignia for school districts to affix to diplomas and transcripts of qualifying students, and school districts must maintain records identifying students who earned the seal.

No fees shall be charged to students; the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.