Many of our students are on the path to achieving biliteracy in English and a language other than English (LOTE). SFUSD has over sixty K-8 language programs across the District serving over 10,200 students. The portfolio of language programs includes Arabic, Cantonese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, and Vietnamese. 55% of SFUSD elementary schools host a language program and 1/3 of all K-5 students are enrolled in a language program. 19% of middle school students are currently studying a language and the middle grade redesign aims to expand world language electives to provide greater access for language learning in middle school.

Currently, SFUSD officially acknowledges students’ biliteracy achievement to graduating seniors by annually awarding the California State Seal of Biliteracy (SBB) to graduates who demonstrate high levels of proficiency in both English and a language other than English (LOTE). In an effort to celebrate milestones for students’ journey towards the SSB graduation goal, we are launching a Biliteracy Pathway Recognition Committee to define and design the criteria and tools schools can use to award Biliteracy Pathway Recognition in grades 5 and 8. Such recognition aims to endow students with a sense of pride in their emerging bilingual proficiencies, celebrate students' cultural and linguistic heritage, and motivate students to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy upon high school graduation.

The Biliteracy Pathway Recognition Committee will be composed of 5th and 8th teachers of biliteracy, dual-language immersion, advanced Secondary world language, and introductory world language classes. IRFs, content specialists, and administrators are also welcome to apply to participate. The committee will be made up of over 50% classroom teachers. 

We will meet monthly via Zoom and the focus of the work will be on defining the criteria for portfolio 5th and 8th graders will need to submit to earn the award.

Time Commitment - Virtual meetings will be held on the following dates from 4:05-5:35 pm. You will receive extended hours for your participation outside of contract hours.

• Thursday, November 3
• Thursday, December 1
• Thursday, January 5
• Thursday, February 2
• Thursday, March 2
• Thursday, April 6
• Thursday, May 4

Please fill out this application if you are interested in joining us on this endeavor.