On June 24-25, 2024, the US Department of Education’s Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) held its first Seal of Biliteracy Summit. In a spirited gathering of great minds and passionate professionals, the summit welcomed nearly 200 participants, including researchers, practitioners, educators, students, and policy makers.
The summit served as a platform for learning and a celebration of progress made in promoting linguistic diversity. Twenty-nine of the 50 states that have endorsed the Seal of Biliteracy had representatives present at the summit, including three founding members of Californians Together, the grassroots origin of the Seal of Biliteracy– Arthur Chou, Laurie Olsen, and Cristina Alfaro.
One of the most poignant moments of the event was the heartfelt testimonials shared by Seal of Biliteracy recipients. These individuals, from diverse backgrounds and experiences, illuminated how proficiency in multiple languages has not only enriched their personal lives but has also opened doors to previously unimaginable opportunities.
Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona, delivered a keynote address that resonated deeply with attendees. Secretary Cardona, who wore his own daughter’s Seal of Biliteracy pin on his lapel, shared his personal stories of being bilingual, saying he was “a living proof that being biliterate and bicultural gives you a leg up.” Secretary Cardona also emphasized the critical importance of embracing multilingualism from cradle to career. His remarks underscored a commitment to fostering an educational environment where linguistic diversity is not only respected but celebrated as a valuable asset – a superpower!
The summit featured panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at advancing the cause of multilingual education. LTI was invited to represent the economic implications of multilingualism, highlighting the value of ACTFL assessments and the Seal of Biliteracy to credential language ability. Expanding access to providing evidence to qualify for the seal into Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and to students who may not be in any language coursework was a key theme. LTI’s Dr. Jennifer Dobberfuhl Quinlan was joined by esteemed panelists, including Dr. Michael Herrera, Executive Director of the Upper Bucks County Technical School; Gabriela Janicek, Director of Operations of Patient and Family Support Services at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; and Marlen Lopez, Senior Wealth Advisor at The Lopez Private Wealth Group. The panelists discussed the importance of credentialing language abilities for career and economic success and the importance of educational programs partnering with businesses to promote and amplify the benefits of the Seal of Biliteracy. ACTFL’s Interim Executive Director, Marty Abbott, and Dr. Meg Malone, ACTFL’s Director of Assessment & Research, were also present at the summit.
Workshops explored research around the adoption and recognition of the Seal, effective program strategies, cross-curricular promotion of the Seal, and policy initiatives to expand access to and recognition of bilingualism.
As the summit concluded, participants departed with renewed enthusiasm and a strengthened commitment to advancing multilingualism in their respective spheres of influence. The event celebrated achievements and set the stage for future collaborations and innovations in language education.
As a wrap-up activity, Beatriz Ceja, Assistant Deputy Secretary OELA, invited participants to consider how they will take action, whether individually or as part of larger committees, in initiatives that promote linguistic equity across the nation. The summit served as a testament to the transformative power of language, amplifying the voices of multilingual communities and advocating for inclusive educational practices. It reaffirmed that multilingualism is a SUPERPOWER!
