Abstract:

United States is often called a nation of immigrants: from the 1600s, 1890s, and most recently post 1960s. These waves of immigrants have formed a mosaic of more than 380 languages alongside English. Do we nationally value, embrace, and promote this diversity of languages? Unfortunately, at the present, we do not do so as does Canada, Australia, India, Indonesia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates among others. This presentation will discuss the initiatives that at the present 33 states and Washington D.C. across the United States with diverse cultural and language groups are forerunners in valuing and embracing the diversity of languages among their student body upon exiting high school by awarding them the Seal of Biliteracy with a bilingual stamp of approval. This seal takes the form of a gold seal that appears on the transcript or diploma of the graduating senior and is a statement of accomplishments for future employers and college admission. Furthermore, the seal marks attainment of high level mastery of two or more languages, including English. The state of Illinois became the fourth state on August 27, 2013 where more than 4,444 Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy were awarded in 18 different languages. Along with the seals, 2,601 Illinois State Commendations were awarded in 14 different languages in the year 2017. Description of these states' initiatives, policies, and practices provide a framework on which United States is moving toward embracing a " One Nation-Many Languages" motto despite the recent backlash at the federal government level to the recent elimination of the Federal Office for English Language Learners (ELLs).

Keywords:

Seal of Biliteracy, English Language Learners.