HB407 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Terri CollinsRepresentative

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Alan BakerK.L. BrownBarbara DrummondCorley EllisDavid FaulknerDanny GarrettLaura HallNathaniel LedbetterCharlotte MeadowsBecky NordgrenRandall SheddPebblin W. WarrenMargie Wilcox

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

State Seal of Biliteracy, established, recognizing graduates with the proficiency in English and at least one world language, including American sign language

Summary

HB407 creates the State Seal of Biliteracy to recognize Alabama high school graduates who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other world language, including American Sign Language.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill establishes a voluntary program run by the State Department of Education to award a State Seal of Biliteracy on a diploma or transcript for students who meet specified English and world language proficiency requirements. It sets multiple pathways to prove language skills, provides an insignia for diplomas/transcripts, and requires districts to keep records and affix the seal; it also states that no student should pay a fee for participation. The program aims to encourage language study, certify biliteracy, help employers and colleges recognize biliterate applicants, and promote language instruction and cultural diversity.

Who It Affects

• High school students who study languages and may earn the State Seal of Biliteracy by meeting the English and world language proficiency criteria.
• School districts and the State Department of Education, which would administer the program, verify eligibility, maintain records, and affix insignia to diplomas/transcripts (with no fees charged to students).

Key Provisions

• Establishes the State Seal of Biliteracy program administered by the State Department of Education to award the seal to graduates who demonstrate intermediate English proficiency and proficiency in at least one other world language (including American Sign Language). Participation by school districts is voluntary.
• Defines English proficiency criteria using multiple approved methods (e.g., ACT English score, ACT reading score, AP/IB English exams, WIDA ACCESS, or other equivalent benchmarks), including for non-native English speakers.
• Defines world language proficiency criteria using various standardized exams or district-approved assessments (e.g., AP, IB, CEFR, Standards-based Proficiency measures, OPI/WPT-type tests, Sign Language options), with specific scores or levels required.
• Allows language assessments without standardized tests if districts certify rigor and ensure listening, speaking, reading, and writing are at intermediate-mid level, including collaboration with native or near-native speakers; provides alternatives for languages without written systems.
• Requires the Department of Education to provide insignia for diplomas/transcripts and guidance for participation; districts must maintain records of recipients and affix insignia when awarding the seal.
• Prohibits charging any fees to students for participating in or earning the State Seal of Biliteracy.
• Effective date: the seal becomes law on the first day of the third month after the bill passes and is approved.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education