Application Process

• In the event that an educational entity is not currently providing the MI-SoBL, a parent/guardian of a minor or the student can apply. The parent or guardian must follow the same procedures as non-public educational entities. All documentation must be attached to the application to demonstrate the required levels of proficiency in English and the World Language.

• In K-12 settings, the MI-SoBL is intended for graduating seniors. Therefore, educational entities are encouraged to apply for the Mi-SoBL no later than five months prior to graduation.
• In Adult Education settings, the MI-SoBL is intended to be granted upon the attainment of the secondary credential.
• Demonstration of a minimum of Intermediate High proficiency must be established prior to applying for the MI-SoBL.
• In K-12 settings, for the purpose of awarding the MI-SoBL, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) recommends that a student’s proficiency be tested beginning in his/her second semester of their junior year through the end of the first semester of the senior year. Scores must accurately reflect a minimum of Intermediate High or equivalent proficiency at the time of graduation.
• For those obtaining a high school equivalency credential, educational entities should schedule language proficiency testing to provide sufficient time to receive assessment scores before students complete the high school equivalency exam.
• Exceptions to these recommended timelines may apply to less commonly-assessed languages.
• Note that students tested in their senior year may not receive test results until summer of their graduating year. As a result, the MI-SoBL will be awarded retroactively following graduation.

There are three steps for the MI-SoBL application process:

STEP 1

• The application process begins by logging into the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) MiLogin for Business portal.
  • If you do not yet have a MiLogin for Business account, refer to the Creating a MiLogin for Business Account.

STEP 2

• In order to apply, all educational entities/others will also need to use/create a MEIS account.
  • To create a MEIS account, refer to the How to Create a MEIS Account.
• Once you have created the MiLogin for Business and MEIS accounts, you will then need to link these two accounts (MEIS and MiLogin for Business). Refer to the Linking MEIS Accounts and MiLogin for Business Accounts for further information.

STEP 3

• For complete instructions on submitting applications, refer to the Login Instructions for Submitting Applications.
• Before submitting an application, collect the following information for each student:
  • Name of the educational entity submitting an application
  • Student name (as it should appear on the award certificate)
  • Public educational entities must include the student Unique Identification Code (UIC) number
  • Non-public educational entities (including private, parochial, and homeschoolers) do not need to submit a UIC number, but must upload records in PDF format to verify proficiency on the application
  • Name of world language used to request MI-SoBL award
  • Type of assessment used to demonstrate proficiency (approved commercial assessment, transcript from abroad, or alternative process for assessment).

• Applications are typically rejected due to missing information. Please review all comments that were included with the rejected application, make the required changes, and re-submit the application.