World Language

The study of world languages is the link that connects people to a living present and an historical past. Language and communication significantly shape and bring meaning to the human experience. Through the study of language students can become active participants in our interconnected world. World language acquisition is an essential component of a quality education and at the core of becoming an “educated” individual. The personal enrichment students gain from learning another language or languages helps cultivate individuals who can better appreciate and integrate with our diverse world, as we compete in the 21st century.

Seal of Biliteracy

The Seal of Biliteracy is a designation that students have proven that they are literate in two languages, English and one other.  These can be languages offered here at Pomperaug as well as those that the student has learned elsewhere.  

“The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by a school or district, in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in English and at least one other language. It is a recognition of students’ academic efforts, to see the tangible benefits of being bilingual and biliterate, and of being prepared for the 21st century. “  https://ctcolt.org/seal-of-biliteracy/

In order to earn the Seal, a student must be doing well in English classes which will prove proficiency in English.  In order to demonstrate proficiency in a second language, the student will take a test, such as the AAPPL  (The ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages ). The student must score at Intermediate Mid level (I3) on all 4 of the skill areas, listening, speaking, reading and writing on a variety of topics,  in order to receive the recognition of biliteracy.  

Testing is available in several languages, including Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian,  Spanish, Ukrainian and many other languages.   Please don’t hesitate to ask.  Tests are being developed all of the time.  

The Seal of Biliteracy will be affixed to the student’s diploma as  well as  noted in the Graduation program and on student transcripts.  

Students may also earn the Seal of Biliteracy if they score a 3 or higher on the AP exam in a world language.  Because scores on AP exams are reported in July, the Seal of Biliteracy would be noted on the student’s transcript only.  

For further information, please see the following from CT Council of Language Teachers (CT COLT)