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Assessments to Verify Language Proficiency

Assessments to Verify Language Proficiency

    • All applicants for the MI-SoBL must demonstrate proficiency in English through the successful completion of the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) graduation requirements as well as any individual district requirements.
    • Applicants may also apply for the MI-SoBL by completing a State of Michigan-recognized high school equivalency exam or a certificate of completion.
    • The required minimum proficiency level in a Language Other Than English (LOTE) is Intermediate High based on the proficiency guidelines established by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).
    • A student must demonstrate a minimum of Intermediate High proficiency on approved World Language assessments in all domains that pertain to the language in question or produce school-related documents/transcripts indicating the completion of education to at least 6th grade in the identified World Language. For further information, see the list of MISoBL Approved Commercial Language Assessments and/or the Alternative Process for Assessments.
    • In addition, the student must demonstrate a minimum of Intermediate High proficiency at the time of graduation.
    • All relevant domains of a language must be assessed.
      NOTE: Most languages consist of four domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
      EXCEPTION: A domain that does not exist in a particular language (the speaking domain in Latin or the writing domain in Silhet, for example), does not need to be assessed.
      REMINDER: In order to be eligible for the MI-SoBL, students must demonstrate a minimum of Intermediate High proficiency in all relevant domains..
    • Educational entities that are just beginning to provide funding for the assessments for the MI-SoBL may choose to use their Title IV funding (subject to supplement, not supplant rules).
    • Educational entities’ general funds may be used to fund assessments for the MI-SoBL.
    • Local donors may provide funding for MI-SoBL assessments.
    • Local Educational Service Agencies (ISDs, RESAs, RSDs, AESAs) may help offset costs, when permitted by the funding source.
    • In instances where funding is not able to be leveraged, students may also pay for the assessments for the MI-SoBL.
    • The Michigan Seal of Biliteracy Council has created an Alternative Process for Assessment for for educational entities to follow when a language does not have an approved commercially-produced assessment.