CS/HB 693 Summary

• Establishes the Florida Seal of Biliteracy Program to recognize high school graduates who have attained high-level competency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more foreign languages in addition to English.

• Creates two levels of seals: Gold Seal (highest competency) and Silver Seal (second-highest competency), which must appear on student diplomas and transcripts.

• Students qualify for the seals by earning four foreign language course credits in the same language with a 3.0 or higher GPA, achieving a qualifying score on a foreign language assessment, or meeting alternative requirements determined by the State Board of Education.

• Prohibits school districts and the Department of Education from charging fees for the seals and requires the Commissioner of Education to provide insignia and implementation guidance to school districts.

• Effective July 1, 2016; State Board of Education must adopt rules establishing assessment standards at least as rigorous as International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, or SAT Subject Test scores.