Amended IN Assembly June 12, 2017 Amended IN Assembly April 03, 2017 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 1142Introduced by Assembly Member MedinaFebruary 17, 2017 An act to amend Section 51461 of the Education Code, relating to high school diplomas. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 1142, as amended, Medina. High school diplomas: State Seal of Biliteracy: English learners.Existing law requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to award a State Seal of Biliteracy. Existing law provides that the State Seal of Biliteracy certifies attainment of a high level of proficiency by a graduating high school pupil in one or more languages, in addition to English, and certifies that the graduate meets specified criteria, including, but not limited to, passing the California Standards Test in English language arts administered in grade 11 at the proficient level or above.This bill would replace that criterion with one requiring that a pupil pass the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress for English language arts, or any successor test, administered in grade 11, at or above the standard met achievement level. level, or at the achievement level determined by the Superintendent for any successor test.Existing law requires a pupil in any of grades 9 to 12, inclusive, if the primary language of the pupil is other than English, to attain the early advanced proficiency level on the English language development test and to meet other specified requirements in order to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy.This bill would repeal the requirement to attain the early advanced proficiency level on the English language development test, and would instead require a pupil to attain the level demonstrating English language proficiency on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California, or any successor English language proficiency assessment, in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, and to meet those other same requirements, in order to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy.Existing law requires that proficiency in a language other than English, for purposes of qualifying for the State Seal of Biliteracy, be demonstrated through one of four methods, including by passing a school district language examination that, at a minimum, assesses speaking, reading, and writing at the proficient level or higher, if no Advanced Placement examination or off-the-shelf language test exists and the school district can certify that the test meets certain standards.This bill, notwithstanding that provision, would require a pupil who seeks to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy through a language that is not characterized by listening, speaking, or reading, or for which there is no written system, to pass an assessment on the modalities that characterize communication in that language at the proficient level or higher.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 51461 of the Education Code is amended to read:51461. (a) The State Seal of Biliteracy certifies attainment of a high level of proficiency by a graduating high school pupil in one or more languages, in addition to English, and certifies that the graduate meets all of the following criteria:(1) Completion of all English language arts requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average of 2.0 or above in those classes.(2) Passing the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress for English language arts, or any successor test, administered in grade 11, at or above the standard met achievement level. level, or at the achievement level determined by the Superintendent for any successor test.(3) Proficiency in one or more languages other than English, demonstrated through one of the following methods:(A) Passing a foreign language Advanced Placement examination with a score of 3 or higher or an International Baccalaureate examination with a score of 4 or higher.(B) Successful completion of a four-year high school course of study in a foreign language, and attaining an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above in that course of study. study, and oral proficiency in the language comparable to that required pursuant to subparagraph (A).(C) (i) If no Advanced Placement examination or off-the-shelf language test exists and the school district can certify to the Superintendent that the test meets the rigor of a four-year high school course of study in that foreign language, passing a school district language examination that, at a minimum, assesses speaking, reading, and writing in a language other than English at the proficient level or higher. If a school district offers a language examination in a language in which an Advanced Placement examination or off-the-shelf language test exists, the school district language examination shall be approved by the Superintendent for the purpose of determining proficiency in a language other than English.(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i), a pupil who seeks to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy through a language that is not characterized by listening, speaking, or reading, or for which there is no written system, shall pass an assessment on the modalities that characterize communication in that language at the proficient level or higher.(D) Passing the SAT II foreign language examination with a score of 600 or higher.(b) If the primary language of a pupil in any of grades 9 to 12, inclusive, is other than English, he or she shall do both of the following in order to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy:(1) Attain the level demonstrating English language proficiency on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California, or any successor English language proficiency assessment. assessment, in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive.(2) Meet the requirements of subdivision (a).(c) For languages in which an Advanced Placement test is not available, the Superintendent may provide a listing of equivalent summative tests that school districts may use in place of an Advanced Placement test for purposes of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a). A school district may provide the Superintendent with a list of equivalent summative tests that the school district uses in place of an Advanced Placement test for purposes of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a). The Superintendent may use lists received from school districts in developing his or her list of equivalent summative tests.(d) For purposes of this article, foreign language means a language other than English, and includes American Sign Language.
Amended IN Assembly June 12, 2017 Amended IN Assembly April 03, 2017 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 1142Introduced by Assembly Member MedinaFebruary 17, 2017 An act to amend Section 51461 of the Education Code, relating to high school diplomas. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 1142, as amended, Medina. High school diplomas: State Seal of Biliteracy: English learners.Existing law requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to award a State Seal of Biliteracy. Existing law provides that the State Seal of Biliteracy certifies attainment of a high level of proficiency by a graduating high school pupil in one or more languages, in addition to English, and certifies that the graduate meets specified criteria, including, but not limited to, passing the California Standards Test in English language arts administered in grade 11 at the proficient level or above.This bill would replace that criterion with one requiring that a pupil pass the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress for English language arts, or any successor test, administered in grade 11, at or above the standard met achievement level. level, or at the achievement level determined by the Superintendent for any successor test.Existing law requires a pupil in any of grades 9 to 12, inclusive, if the primary language of the pupil is other than English, to attain the early advanced proficiency level on the English language development test and to meet other specified requirements in order to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy.This bill would repeal the requirement to attain the early advanced proficiency level on the English language development test, and would instead require a pupil to attain the level demonstrating English language proficiency on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California, or any successor English language proficiency assessment, in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, and to meet those other same requirements, in order to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy.Existing law requires that proficiency in a language other than English, for purposes of qualifying for the State Seal of Biliteracy, be demonstrated through one of four methods, including by passing a school district language examination that, at a minimum, assesses speaking, reading, and writing at the proficient level or higher, if no Advanced Placement examination or off-the-shelf language test exists and the school district can certify that the test meets certain standards.This bill, notwithstanding that provision, would require a pupil who seeks to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy through a language that is not characterized by listening, speaking, or reading, or for which there is no written system, to pass an assessment on the modalities that characterize communication in that language at the proficient level or higher.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
Amended IN Assembly June 12, 2017 Amended IN Assembly April 03, 2017
Amended IN Assembly June 12, 2017
Amended IN Assembly April 03, 2017
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill No. 1142
Introduced by Assembly Member MedinaFebruary 17, 2017
Introduced by Assembly Member Medina
February 17, 2017
An act to amend Section 51461 of the Education Code, relating to high school diplomas.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 1142, as amended, Medina. High school diplomas: State Seal of Biliteracy: English learners.
Existing law requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to award a State Seal of Biliteracy. Existing law provides that the State Seal of Biliteracy certifies attainment of a high level of proficiency by a graduating high school pupil in one or more languages, in addition to English, and certifies that the graduate meets specified criteria, including, but not limited to, passing the California Standards Test in English language arts administered in grade 11 at the proficient level or above.This bill would replace that criterion with one requiring that a pupil pass the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress for English language arts, or any successor test, administered in grade 11, at or above the standard met achievement level. level, or at the achievement level determined by the Superintendent for any successor test.Existing law requires a pupil in any of grades 9 to 12, inclusive, if the primary language of the pupil is other than English, to attain the early advanced proficiency level on the English language development test and to meet other specified requirements in order to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy.This bill would repeal the requirement to attain the early advanced proficiency level on the English language development test, and would instead require a pupil to attain the level demonstrating English language proficiency on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California, or any successor English language proficiency assessment, in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, and to meet those other same requirements, in order to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy.Existing law requires that proficiency in a language other than English, for purposes of qualifying for the State Seal of Biliteracy, be demonstrated through one of four methods, including by passing a school district language examination that, at a minimum, assesses speaking, reading, and writing at the proficient level or higher, if no Advanced Placement examination or off-the-shelf language test exists and the school district can certify that the test meets certain standards.This bill, notwithstanding that provision, would require a pupil who seeks to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy through a language that is not characterized by listening, speaking, or reading, or for which there is no written system, to pass an assessment on the modalities that characterize communication in that language at the proficient level or higher.
Existing law requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to award a State Seal of Biliteracy. Existing law provides that the State Seal of Biliteracy certifies attainment of a high level of proficiency by a graduating high school pupil in one or more languages, in addition to English, and certifies that the graduate meets specified criteria, including, but not limited to, passing the California Standards Test in English language arts administered in grade 11 at the proficient level or above.
This bill would replace that criterion with one requiring that a pupil pass the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress for English language arts, or any successor test, administered in grade 11, at or above the standard met achievement level. level, or at the achievement level determined by the Superintendent for any successor test.
Existing law requires a pupil in any of grades 9 to 12, inclusive, if the primary language of the pupil is other than English, to attain the early advanced proficiency level on the English language development test and to meet other specified requirements in order to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy.
This bill would repeal the requirement to attain the early advanced proficiency level on the English language development test, and would instead require a pupil to attain the level demonstrating English language proficiency on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California, or any successor English language proficiency assessment, in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, and to meet those other same requirements, in order to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy.
Existing law requires that proficiency in a language other than English, for purposes of qualifying for the State Seal of Biliteracy, be demonstrated through one of four methods, including by passing a school district language examination that, at a minimum, assesses speaking, reading, and writing at the proficient level or higher, if no Advanced Placement examination or off-the-shelf language test exists and the school district can certify that the test meets certain standards.
This bill, notwithstanding that provision, would require a pupil who seeks to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy through a language that is not characterized by listening, speaking, or reading, or for which there is no written system, to pass an assessment on the modalities that characterize communication in that language at the proficient level or higher.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 51461 of the Education Code is amended to read:51461. (a) The State Seal of Biliteracy certifies attainment of a high level of proficiency by a graduating high school pupil in one or more languages, in addition to English, and certifies that the graduate meets all of the following criteria:(1) Completion of all English language arts requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average of 2.0 or above in those classes.(2) Passing the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress for English language arts, or any successor test, administered in grade 11, at or above the standard met achievement level. level, or at the achievement level determined by the Superintendent for any successor test.(3) Proficiency in one or more languages other than English, demonstrated through one of the following methods:(A) Passing a foreign language Advanced Placement examination with a score of 3 or higher or an International Baccalaureate examination with a score of 4 or higher.(B) Successful completion of a four-year high school course of study in a foreign language, and attaining an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above in that course of study. study, and oral proficiency in the language comparable to that required pursuant to subparagraph (A).(C) (i) If no Advanced Placement examination or off-the-shelf language test exists and the school district can certify to the Superintendent that the test meets the rigor of a four-year high school course of study in that foreign language, passing a school district language examination that, at a minimum, assesses speaking, reading, and writing in a language other than English at the proficient level or higher. If a school district offers a language examination in a language in which an Advanced Placement examination or off-the-shelf language test exists, the school district language examination shall be approved by the Superintendent for the purpose of determining proficiency in a language other than English.(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i), a pupil who seeks to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy through a language that is not characterized by listening, speaking, or reading, or for which there is no written system, shall pass an assessment on the modalities that characterize communication in that language at the proficient level or higher.(D) Passing the SAT II foreign language examination with a score of 600 or higher.(b) If the primary language of a pupil in any of grades 9 to 12, inclusive, is other than English, he or she shall do both of the following in order to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy:(1) Attain the level demonstrating English language proficiency on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California, or any successor English language proficiency assessment. assessment, in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive.(2) Meet the requirements of subdivision (a).(c) For languages in which an Advanced Placement test is not available, the Superintendent may provide a listing of equivalent summative tests that school districts may use in place of an Advanced Placement test for purposes of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a). A school district may provide the Superintendent with a list of equivalent summative tests that the school district uses in place of an Advanced Placement test for purposes of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a). The Superintendent may use lists received from school districts in developing his or her list of equivalent summative tests.(d) For purposes of this article, foreign language means a language other than English, and includes American Sign Language.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 51461 of the Education Code is amended to read:51461. (a) The State Seal of Biliteracy certifies attainment of a high level of proficiency by a graduating high school pupil in one or more languages, in addition to English, and certifies that the graduate meets all of the following criteria:(1) Completion of all English language arts requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average of 2.0 or above in those classes.(2) Passing the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress for English language arts, or any successor test, administered in grade 11, at or above the standard met achievement level. level, or at the achievement level determined by the Superintendent for any successor test.(3) Proficiency in one or more languages other than English, demonstrated through one of the following methods:(A) Passing a foreign language Advanced Placement examination with a score of 3 or higher or an International Baccalaureate examination with a score of 4 or higher.(B) Successful completion of a four-year high school course of study in a foreign language, and attaining an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above in that course of study. study, and oral proficiency in the language comparable to that required pursuant to subparagraph (A).(C) (i) If no Advanced Placement examination or off-the-shelf language test exists and the school district can certify to the Superintendent that the test meets the rigor of a four-year high school course of study in that foreign language, passing a school district language examination that, at a minimum, assesses speaking, reading, and writing in a language other than English at the proficient level or higher. If a school district offers a language examination in a language in which an Advanced Placement examination or off-the-shelf language test exists, the school district language examination shall be approved by the Superintendent for the purpose of determining proficiency in a language other than English.(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i), a pupil who seeks to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy through a language that is not characterized by listening, speaking, or reading, or for which there is no written system, shall pass an assessment on the modalities that characterize communication in that language at the proficient level or higher.(D) Passing the SAT II foreign language examination with a score of 600 or higher.(b) If the primary language of a pupil in any of grades 9 to 12, inclusive, is other than English, he or she shall do both of the following in order to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy:(1) Attain the level demonstrating English language proficiency on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California, or any successor English language proficiency assessment. assessment, in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive.(2) Meet the requirements of subdivision (a).(c) For languages in which an Advanced Placement test is not available, the Superintendent may provide a listing of equivalent summative tests that school districts may use in place of an Advanced Placement test for purposes of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a). A school district may provide the Superintendent with a list of equivalent summative tests that the school district uses in place of an Advanced Placement test for purposes of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a). The Superintendent may use lists received from school districts in developing his or her list of equivalent summative tests.(d) For purposes of this article, foreign language means a language other than English, and includes American Sign Language.
SECTION 1. Section 51461 of the Education Code is amended to read:
### SECTION 1.
51461. (a) The State Seal of Biliteracy certifies attainment of a high level of proficiency by a graduating high school pupil in one or more languages, in addition to English, and certifies that the graduate meets all of the following criteria:(1) Completion of all English language arts requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average of 2.0 or above in those classes.(2) Passing the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress for English language arts, or any successor test, administered in grade 11, at or above the standard met achievement level. level, or at the achievement level determined by the Superintendent for any successor test.(3) Proficiency in one or more languages other than English, demonstrated through one of the following methods:(A) Passing a foreign language Advanced Placement examination with a score of 3 or higher or an International Baccalaureate examination with a score of 4 or higher.(B) Successful completion of a four-year high school course of study in a foreign language, and attaining an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above in that course of study. study, and oral proficiency in the language comparable to that required pursuant to subparagraph (A).(C) (i) If no Advanced Placement examination or off-the-shelf language test exists and the school district can certify to the Superintendent that the test meets the rigor of a four-year high school course of study in that foreign language, passing a school district language examination that, at a minimum, assesses speaking, reading, and writing in a language other than English at the proficient level or higher. If a school district offers a language examination in a language in which an Advanced Placement examination or off-the-shelf language test exists, the school district language examination shall be approved by the Superintendent for the purpose of determining proficiency in a language other than English.(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i), a pupil who seeks to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy through a language that is not characterized by listening, speaking, or reading, or for which there is no written system, shall pass an assessment on the modalities that characterize communication in that language at the proficient level or higher.(D) Passing the SAT II foreign language examination with a score of 600 or higher.(b) If the primary language of a pupil in any of grades 9 to 12, inclusive, is other than English, he or she shall do both of the following in order to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy:(1) Attain the level demonstrating English language proficiency on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California, or any successor English language proficiency assessment. assessment, in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive.(2) Meet the requirements of subdivision (a).(c) For languages in which an Advanced Placement test is not available, the Superintendent may provide a listing of equivalent summative tests that school districts may use in place of an Advanced Placement test for purposes of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a). A school district may provide the Superintendent with a list of equivalent summative tests that the school district uses in place of an Advanced Placement test for purposes of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a). The Superintendent may use lists received from school districts in developing his or her list of equivalent summative tests.(d) For purposes of this article, foreign language means a language other than English, and includes American Sign Language.
51461. (a) The State Seal of Biliteracy certifies attainment of a high level of proficiency by a graduating high school pupil in one or more languages, in addition to English, and certifies that the graduate meets all of the following criteria:(1) Completion of all English language arts requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average of 2.0 or above in those classes.(2) Passing the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress for English language arts, or any successor test, administered in grade 11, at or above the standard met achievement level. level, or at the achievement level determined by the Superintendent for any successor test.(3) Proficiency in one or more languages other than English, demonstrated through one of the following methods:(A) Passing a foreign language Advanced Placement examination with a score of 3 or higher or an International Baccalaureate examination with a score of 4 or higher.(B) Successful completion of a four-year high school course of study in a foreign language, and attaining an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above in that course of study. study, and oral proficiency in the language comparable to that required pursuant to subparagraph (A).(C) (i) If no Advanced Placement examination or off-the-shelf language test exists and the school district can certify to the Superintendent that the test meets the rigor of a four-year high school course of study in that foreign language, passing a school district language examination that, at a minimum, assesses speaking, reading, and writing in a language other than English at the proficient level or higher. If a school district offers a language examination in a language in which an Advanced Placement examination or off-the-shelf language test exists, the school district language examination shall be approved by the Superintendent for the purpose of determining proficiency in a language other than English.(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i), a pupil who seeks to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy through a language that is not characterized by listening, speaking, or reading, or for which there is no written system, shall pass an assessment on the modalities that characterize communication in that language at the proficient level or higher.(D) Passing the SAT II foreign language examination with a score of 600 or higher.(b) If the primary language of a pupil in any of grades 9 to 12, inclusive, is other than English, he or she shall do both of the following in order to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy:(1) Attain the level demonstrating English language proficiency on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California, or any successor English language proficiency assessment. assessment, in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive.(2) Meet the requirements of subdivision (a).(c) For languages in which an Advanced Placement test is not available, the Superintendent may provide a listing of equivalent summative tests that school districts may use in place of an Advanced Placement test for purposes of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a). A school district may provide the Superintendent with a list of equivalent summative tests that the school district uses in place of an Advanced Placement test for purposes of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a). The Superintendent may use lists received from school districts in developing his or her list of equivalent summative tests.(d) For purposes of this article, foreign language means a language other than English, and includes American Sign Language.
51461. (a) The State Seal of Biliteracy certifies attainment of a high level of proficiency by a graduating high school pupil in one or more languages, in addition to English, and certifies that the graduate meets all of the following criteria:(1) Completion of all English language arts requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average of 2.0 or above in those classes.(2) Passing the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress for English language arts, or any successor test, administered in grade 11, at or above the standard met achievement level. level, or at the achievement level determined by the Superintendent for any successor test.(3) Proficiency in one or more languages other than English, demonstrated through one of the following methods:(A) Passing a foreign language Advanced Placement examination with a score of 3 or higher or an International Baccalaureate examination with a score of 4 or higher.(B) Successful completion of a four-year high school course of study in a foreign language, and attaining an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above in that course of study. study, and oral proficiency in the language comparable to that required pursuant to subparagraph (A).(C) (i) If no Advanced Placement examination or off-the-shelf language test exists and the school district can certify to the Superintendent that the test meets the rigor of a four-year high school course of study in that foreign language, passing a school district language examination that, at a minimum, assesses speaking, reading, and writing in a language other than English at the proficient level or higher. If a school district offers a language examination in a language in which an Advanced Placement examination or off-the-shelf language test exists, the school district language examination shall be approved by the Superintendent for the purpose of determining proficiency in a language other than English.(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i), a pupil who seeks to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy through a language that is not characterized by listening, speaking, or reading, or for which there is no written system, shall pass an assessment on the modalities that characterize communication in that language at the proficient level or higher.(D) Passing the SAT II foreign language examination with a score of 600 or higher.(b) If the primary language of a pupil in any of grades 9 to 12, inclusive, is other than English, he or she shall do both of the following in order to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy:(1) Attain the level demonstrating English language proficiency on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California, or any successor English language proficiency assessment. assessment, in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive.(2) Meet the requirements of subdivision (a).(c) For languages in which an Advanced Placement test is not available, the Superintendent may provide a listing of equivalent summative tests that school districts may use in place of an Advanced Placement test for purposes of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a). A school district may provide the Superintendent with a list of equivalent summative tests that the school district uses in place of an Advanced Placement test for purposes of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a). The Superintendent may use lists received from school districts in developing his or her list of equivalent summative tests.(d) For purposes of this article, foreign language means a language other than English, and includes American Sign Language.
51461. (a) The State Seal of Biliteracy certifies attainment of a high level of proficiency by a graduating high school pupil in one or more languages, in addition to English, and certifies that the graduate meets all of the following criteria:
(1) Completion of all English language arts requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average of 2.0 or above in those classes.
(2) Passing the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress for English language arts, or any successor test, administered in grade 11, at or above the standard met achievement level. level, or at the achievement level determined by the Superintendent for any successor test.
(3) Proficiency in one or more languages other than English, demonstrated through one of the following methods:
(A) Passing a foreign language Advanced Placement examination with a score of 3 or higher or an International Baccalaureate examination with a score of 4 or higher.
(B) Successful completion of a four-year high school course of study in a foreign language, and attaining an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above in that course of study. study, and oral proficiency in the language comparable to that required pursuant to subparagraph (A).
(C) (i) If no Advanced Placement examination or off-the-shelf language test exists and the school district can certify to the Superintendent that the test meets the rigor of a four-year high school course of study in that foreign language, passing a school district language examination that, at a minimum, assesses speaking, reading, and writing in a language other than English at the proficient level or higher. If a school district offers a language examination in a language in which an Advanced Placement examination or off-the-shelf language test exists, the school district language examination shall be approved by the Superintendent for the purpose of determining proficiency in a language other than English.
(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i), a pupil who seeks to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy through a language that is not characterized by listening, speaking, or reading, or for which there is no written system, shall pass an assessment on the modalities that characterize communication in that language at the proficient level or higher.
(D) Passing the SAT II foreign language examination with a score of 600 or higher.
(b) If the primary language of a pupil in any of grades 9 to 12, inclusive, is other than English, he or she shall do both of the following in order to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy:
(1) Attain the level demonstrating English language proficiency on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California, or any successor English language proficiency assessment. assessment, in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive.
(2) Meet the requirements of subdivision (a).
(c) For languages in which an Advanced Placement test is not available, the Superintendent may provide a listing of equivalent summative tests that school districts may use in place of an Advanced Placement test for purposes of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a). A school district may provide the Superintendent with a list of equivalent summative tests that the school district uses in place of an Advanced Placement test for purposes of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a). The Superintendent may use lists received from school districts in developing his or her list of equivalent summative tests.
(d) For purposes of this article, foreign language means a language other than English, and includes American Sign Language.