World Language

Any Gulf Shores High School student who demonstrates proficiency in English and at least one other language is eligible to receive the Seal of Biliteracy which is awarded upon graduation. This seal certifies that the student is proficient in all modes of language (speaking, listening, reading and writing). This distinction can be shared with colleges and employers to demonstrate multilingualism. Students are assessed sophomore, junior, or senior year for language proficiency. Qualified students are recognized their senior year at Senior Awards and at graduation.

Information Sheet

Any student at Gulf Shores High School can apply and work toward attaining the Seal of Biliteracy. The seal can be awarded for language studied at Gulf Shores High School or for any heritage or native language learned at home.

To attain the required proficiency level of a learned language, students should plan to take 4 consecutive years of the language.

To qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy, students must meet these requirements:

1. Demonstrate English proficiency:

• ACT Reading score of 20+ OR
• ACT ELA score of 18+ OR
• ACCESS for ELLs score of 4.8+

2.  Demonstrate language proficiency in language of choice with a score of Intermediate Mid or higher on the AAPPL Exam in heritage language, native language, or learned world language.

Languages available to be tested on the AAPPL exam are: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

If you would like to be evaluated in a language that is not listed, please email eldepartment@gsboe.org to discuss options for assessment.

• ACT-11^th grade
• ACCESS for ELLs- annually
• AAPPL Language Exam- Can be taken in 10^th, 11^th or 12^th grade