This event has completed.

11/30/2021 - 11/30/2021
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

New York State boasts a rich linguistic and cultural heritage, with students speaking over 200 languages. Understanding the importance of multilingualism and multiliteracy, the New York State Legislature established the New York State Seal of Biliteracy. The New York State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in two or more languages. It acknowledges the importance of being biliterate in today’s global society, highlights the hard work and achievement of students, encourages them to pursue language study while in school, and supports continued development of one’s home language. Since 2016, this distinction has been awarded to over 17,800 students from hundreds of New York State schools, including public, charter, and non-public high schools. This session will provide an overview of the NYS Seal of Biliteracy, with a focus on supporting candidates who pursue the Seal in their home language. Presenter Shawnna Sweet is NYS TESOL VP Finance and a professional development specialist at Mid-West RBERN and graduate TESOL instructor at Nazareth College.