YAN
Hamtramck
Shannon Mackie
Multilingual Hamtramck Public Schools (HPS) students can now receive an official recognition from the Michigan Department of Education. The Seal of Biliteracy will be prominently displayed on the high school diplomas and transcripts of all qualifying students.
“The Seal celebrates the academic achievements of these students and underscores the importance of language proficiency in today’s interconnected, global society,” said Mirjana Maros, HPS Multilingual Learner Department (MLD) district facilitator.
The majority of HPS students are bilingual or multilingual and more than 19 languages are spoken throughout the district including Arabic, Bengali, Bosnian, Pashto, and Ukrainian. To qualify for the seal, students must demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional world language. Proficiency is demonstrated through a world language assessment or the district’s Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Culture Exam. Students can also provide a transcript from a foreign country showing at least one year of instruction in their native language at grade six or higher.
Multilingual students often demonstrate strong cognitive abilities, including problem-solving and multitasking, making them highly-valued in the global job market. The Seal helps employers and colleges easily recognize these students and their skills.
This recognition is now available thanks to the support of countless HPS staff from across the district. The Seal demonstrates their commitment to academic excellence and inclusivity. The district is dedicated to preparing students for success and cultivates in-demand skills.
“This is an opportunity to celebrate the rich linguistic diversity within our schools,” Maros said. “It underscores our ability to harness and promote the valuable human resources that our community possesses.”
About 50 students are expected to qualify and earn the seal for the 2024 – 2025 school year. Students are excited to have their language skills officially recognized and parents are proud to see their cultural backgrounds validated. Staff members are eager to support students throughout the process.
The Seal is also available at other local public and charter school districts, particularly at those with multilingual populations or strong world language programs. The momentum around this initiative is an important step in recognizing multilingual populations and strengthening educational equity.
“We really encourage students who speak a variety of languages to pursue the Seal of Biliteracy,” Maros said. “This initiative reflects our belief in the value of all languages and cultures, and we want every student to feel proud and recognized for their linguistic background.”