(1) The authority for this section is RCW 28A.300.575, which authorizes the office of the superintendent of public instruction to adopt rules establishing criteria for award of the Washington state seal of biliteracy.

(2) Graduating high school students must meet the following criteria to be awarded the Washington state seal of biliteracy:

(a) Students must demonstrate proficiency in English by (i) meeting the statewide minimum graduation requirements in English under WAC 180-51-066 through 180-51-068, as amended; and (ii) meeting the state standard on the reading and writing or English language arts assessments under RCW 28A.655.061; and

(b) Students must demonstrate proficiency in one or more world languages through any one of the following methods:

(i) Passing a foreign language advanced placement examination with a score of three or higher;

(ii) Passing an International Baccalaureate examination with a score of four or higher;

(iii) Demonstrating intermediate-mid level proficiency or higher in the world language based on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency guidelines, using assessments approved by the office of superintendent of public instruction for competency-based credits;

(iv) Qualifying for four competency-based credits by demonstrating proficiency in the world language at intermediate-mid level or higher based on the ACTFL proficiency guidelines, according to the school district's policy and procedure for competency-based credits for world languages; or

(v) Demonstrating proficiency in speaking, writing, and reading the world language through other national or international assessments approved by the office of superintendent of public instruction at a level comparable to intermediate-mid level or higher based on the ACTFL proficiency guidelines.

(3) "Foreign language" and "world language" as used in this section means a language other than English, and includes, without limitation, American sign language, Latin, and Native American or other indigenous languages or dialects.