Dear Chelmsford Elementary & Middle School 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.
Chelmsford Public Schools offers students the opportunity to earn the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy. The 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 is included on a student’s high school transcript.
All students are eligible to pursue the Seal of Biliteracy, including English learners, students with disabilities, and students who have learned a language outside of school.
Students may earn the Seal of Biliteracy in any language, including languages not offered through our world language program.
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.
Every state now offers a Seal of Biliteracy. This recognition benefits graduates in supporting multilingualism in future careers and post-secondary education. Many colleges and universities offer either placement or credit to those who earn the Seal of Biliteracy or the Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction.
How students earn the MA Seal of Biliteracy
The Seal of Biliteracy and the Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction are awarded upon graduation from high school. 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. The only assessment for English at this time is ELA MCAS taken in grade 10.
To qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy, students must earn Meeting Expectations (500-529); for the Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction students must earn Exceeding Expectations (530-560) on the grade 10 ELA MCAS.
For languages other than English (either a studied language or a home/heritage language), students must demonstrate Intermediate High proficiency to earn the Seal; students must demonstrate Advanced Low proficiency to earn the Seal with Distinction. There are several routes to demonstrating proficiency in a language other than English, the primary assessment that we use at Chelmsford High School is the STAMP test by Avant Assessment.
How you can prepare now
Encourage your child to continue using and developing all their languages, including those used at home or in the community. Speaking, signing, reading, listening and writing in these languages help build the skills needed to earn the Seal of Biliteracy in high school. If your child is strong with speaking and listening, encourage them to practice reading and writing.
Does your family use a language in addition to English?
Your language is valuable! The Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes all languages, and students may earn the Seal in any language. Students who use a language at home or in the community—including signed languages such as American Sign Language (ASL)—are encouraged to continue developing that language. Regular speaking or signing, listening, reading, and writing help students build the skills needed to earn the Seal while strengthening language development overall, including in English.
Language programs in Chelmsford Public Schools
As students move through school, language programs such as foundational language, heritage language, or bilingual programs become available. These programs are offered as part of the regular school schedule and are accessible to all students, including students receiving English learner services or special education services, consistent with state and federal civil rights laws. Enrolling in these programs helps students continue developing their language skills over time.
In Chelmsford Public Schools, world language programs are available as follows:
- Foundational French begins in grade 7
- Foundational Spanish begins in grade 7
- Foundational American Sign Language begins in grade 9
Students may choose to study either French or Spanish as they enter McCarthy Middle School. They may continue to study the same language or may choose to change languages as they enter Chelmsford High School in 9th grade. Families are encouraged to explore all available options as they enroll at McCarthy Middle School or at CHS.
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
