NY S07522

Establishes a State Seal of Biliteracy to recognize high school graduates who achieve high proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages in addition to English.

Participation in the program is voluntary for school districts, and the seal is awarded by the Commissioner and affixed to diplomas and transcripts of qualifying students.

Board of Regents must establish criteria for earning the seal, which may include completing units of credit in English language arts and languages other than English, passing state assessments, and passing additional foreign language proficiency assessments approved by the Commissioner.

Defines "foreign language" as any language other than English (LOTE), including modern languages, Latin, American Sign Language, Native American languages, and native languages.

No fee may be charged to pupils for earning the seal, and the act takes effect September 1st following enactment.