Dear Chelmsford Public Schools Parents/Guardians and Students:
We are pleased to inform you of Chelmsford Public Schools’ continued participation in the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy for the 2026-2027 school year.
What is the State Seal of Biliteracy?
The State Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to graduating high school students who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English and at least one additional language. This designation may be included in a student’s high school transcript.
The State Seal of Biliteracy aims to:
- Encourage students to study and master languages;
- Certify attainment of biliteracy skills;
- Recognize the value of language diversity;
- Provide employers with a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills;
- Provide universities with a method to recognize and give credit to applicants for attainment of high-level skills in languages;
- Prepare students with skills that will benefit them in the labor market and the global society; and
- Strengthen intergroup communication and honor the multiple cultures and languages in a community.
Students who earn the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy will receive an affixed seal on their high school diploma, an indication on their CHS transcript, as well as regalia for graduation.
Some state colleges and universities and community colleges that currently offer credit for the Seal of Biliteracy (this is not a complete list):
- Bridgewater State University
- Bristol Community College
- Bunker Hill Community College
- Cape Cod Community College
- Massachusetts Bay Community College
- Middlesex Community College
- Mount Wachusett Community College
- North Shore Community College
- Northern Essex Community College
- Quinsigamond Community College
- Salem State University
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
- University of Massachusetts Boston
- Westfield State University
- Worcester State University
Why it matters
The purposes of the State Seal of Biliteracy are to encourage students to study and master languages; certify attainment of biliteracy skills; recognize the value of language diversity; provide employers with a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills; provide universities with a method to recognize and give credit to applicants for the attainment of high-level skills in languages; prepare students with skills that will benefit them in the labor market and the global society; and strengthen intergroup communication and honor the multiple cultures and languages in a community.
What students need to do
All students are eligible to pursue the Seal, including English learners, former English learners, students with disabilities, heritage speakers, and students who have learned a language in school or in the community. To earn the Seal, students must meet all
graduation requirements and demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English and at least one additional language through language assessments.
How this works in Chelmsford Public Schools
Graduation requirements
Students must meet all graduation requirements for Chelmsford High School. See the CHS Program of Studies or contact a school counselor for details.
English proficiency
Students demonstrate English proficiency through the grade 10 ELA MCAS test or retest, which is already annually administered to all 10th grade students. In rare circumstances where students did not experience equitable access to the grade 10 ELA MCAS, additional options may be available. Contact the Seal of Biliteracy coordinator for more information.
World Language proficiency
Students demonstrate proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English through a Department-approved assessment.
● Students currently enrolled in a world language course:
For students enrolled in a world language course, Chelmsford High School offers the STAMP assessment in French, Spanish, and American Sign Language in December, March or May to students in 11th and 12th grades, if they choose to test.
● Students who already speak or have learned a language outside of school:
The CPS World Language Coordinator will facilitate access to an approved assessment in any language, including signed languages such as American Sign Language (ASL) and languages learned outside of school.
Students seeking assessment in a language not offered through Chelmsford High School’s regular process should contact Dr. Danja
Mahoney, World Language & Cultural Exchange Coordinator, by December to develop a plan.
Getting started
Interested students should join the CHS Seal of Biliteracy Google Classroom.
The assessment criteria for each award is as follows:
Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy
- Earn a score of 500 or higher on the Grade 10 ELA MCAS or retest
- Earn a score of Intermediate High or higher on a standardized language proficiency test or a score of 4 on AP Language & Culture (French, Spanish, etc.)
- Satisfy all other graduation requirements
Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy With Distinction
- Earn a score of 530 or higher on the grade 10 ELA MCAS or retest
- Earn a score of Advanced-Low or higher on a standardized language proficiency test or a score of 5 on AP Language & Culture (French, Spanish, etc.)
- Satisfy all other graduation requirements
To earn the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy, students must attain a score of 500 on the Grade 10 ELA MCAS AND an intermediate high score in all domains on the STAMP test, or other approved proficiency assessment. To receive the MA State Seal with Distinction, a score of 530 or higher on the ELA MCAS is required, and an advanced low score in all domains of the STAMP test. The STAMP test is offered for nearly every language. Students who are interested in testing for the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy should plan to attend an informational meeting during one Pride Block in the Language Lab in November (dates will be announced and shared in the Google Classroom).
Testing will take place in December and February/March for seniors and in May for any juniors wishing to test. The test takes several hours to complete.
School/District Contact Information
For questions or to get started, please contact Dr. Danja Mahoney, Seal of Biliteracy Coordinator for CPS at mahoneyd@chelmsford.k12.ma.us
Additional information, including Frequently Asked Questions for Students & Families, is available on the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education State Seal of Biliteracy webpage.
Resources: Sample exam and Resources
Sincerely,
Danja Mahoney, Ed.D.
World Language & Cultural Exchange Coordinator
Seal of Biliteracy Coordinator
Chelmsford Public Schools
mahoneyd@chelmsford.k12.ma.us
