Can a student earn the MI-SoBL for a language learned at home, abroad, or in another setting?

Yes, it does not matter where the language was learned or acquired as long as the proficiency level is verified.

Can a student earn the Seal for American Sign Language?

Yes, American Sign Language is considered a world language.

Is an exchange student eligible for the MI-SoBL?

As long as the exchange student is receiving a diploma/graduating from a Michigan Local Education Agency (LEA), exchange students are eligible to receive the MI-SoBL. Transcripts from the student’s home country may be used to grant the MI-SoBL in lieu of an approved assessment.

How do non-public schools or parents apply?

In the event that a district is not currently providing the Seal, a non-public school or parent/guardian can apply on behalf of the student. Follow the steps found in question 17 to create an account. All documentation must be attached to the application to demonstrate the required levels of proficiency in the two languages. A parent or a designated representative from the non-public school must apply for the Seal on behalf of the student.

What should I do if my application is rejected?

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.

How can parents support and engage with the MI-SoBL?

Parents can encourage their son or daughter to continue with world language study beyond the language requirement in order to qualify for the MI-SoBL. Parents can encourage the maintenance of a native or heritage language by using it in the home environment. Students can then use their native or heritage language when applying for the MI-SoBL. Parents can encourage their school or district to offer long-sequence, well-articulated language programs so that students meet the minimum qualifications for the MI-SoBL. Parents can encourage their child/children to seek out opportunities to use the language in the community where it is spoken, such as in a service-learning project. Parents can encourage their school or district to promote and support travel abroad as language and cultural experiences that enhance language skills.

Parents & Students

Can a student earn the MI-SoBL for a language learned at home, abroad, or in another setting?
Yes, it does not matter where the language was learned or acquired as long as the proficiency level is verified.
Can a student earn the Seal for American Sign Language?
Yes, American Sign Language is considered a world language.
Is an exchange student eligible for the MI-SoBL?
As long as the exchange student is receiving a diploma/graduating from a Michigan Local Education Agency (LEA), exchange students are eligible to receive the MI-SoBL. Transcripts from the student’s home country may be used to grant the MI-SoBL in lieu of an approved assessment.
How do non-public schools or parents apply?
In the event that a district is not currently providing the Seal, a non-public school or parent/guardian can apply on behalf of the student. Follow the steps found in question 17 to create an account. All documentation must be attached to the application to demonstrate the required levels of proficiency in the two languages.

A parent or a designated representative from the non-public school must apply for the Seal on behalf of the student.
What should I do if my application is rejected?
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.
How can parents support and engage with the MI-SoBL?
Parents can encourage their son or daughter to continue with world language study beyond the language requirement in order to qualify for the MI-SoBL.

Parents can encourage the maintenance of a native or heritage language by using it in the home environment. Students can then use their native or heritage language when applying for the MI-SoBL.

Parents can encourage their school or district to offer long-sequence, well-articulated language programs so that students meet the minimum qualifications for the MI-SoBL.

Parents can encourage their child/children to seek out opportunities to use the language in the community where it is spoken, such as in a service-learning project.

Parents can encourage their school or district to promote and support travel abroad as language and cultural experiences that enhance language skills.

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