Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The office of superintendent of public instruction (OSPI) is considering rule making concerning the seal of biliteracy (the seal) to align with HB 1228 (2024), recognize additional proficiency scales, and create multiple levels of the seal. This would put Washington state on par with other states, which have multitiered seal programs. Currently, the proficiency level to earn the seal is ACTFL intermediate mid. With dual language education programs producing students with higher levels of proficiency, a multilevel seal would motivate students to continue language learning beyond intermediate mid. A multitiered seal would also encourage students to take additional languages after the requirements for the first language are met.

Process for Developing New Rule: Early solicitation of feedback and recommendations concerning new or amended rules, and consideration of comments and recommendations in the course of drafting rule language.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Veronica Trapani-Huebner, OSPI, P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504, TTY 360-664-3631, email veronica.trapani@k12.wa.us, website ospi.k12.wa.us.