World Language Competency & Seal of Biliteracy

Tahoma School District is committed to ensuring students who speak, write, read, and comprehend one or more world languages, earn the credit and recognition they deserve for their language proficiency.

World Language Competency-Based Assessment

The World Language Competency-Based Assessment allows students to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking in any language and earn transcript credits, even if that language is not offered at our schools.

Test Eligibility - If you can answer "yes" to all of the "I can" statements below in a language other than English, please complete the registration form for your appropriate grade level.

• I can understand ideas on familiar topics expresses through phrases, short sentences, and frequently used expressions. [Listening]
• I can understand the main idea and some details in simple texts that contain familiar vocabulary. [Reading]
• I can exchange information with another person about familiar tasks, topics and activities. [Person-to-Person Communication]
• I can use a series of phrases and sentences to provide basic information about familiar topics. [Spoken Production]
• I can write simple descriptions and short messages and request or provide information on familiar topics. [Writing]

*Note:  If you have taken 2 or more years of an AP World Language course, you should take the AP exam in the language to demonstrate your proficiency.

Washington State Seal of Biliteracy

The Washington State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes public high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in one or more languages in addition to English.

How to Earn the Seal of Biliteracy

STEP 1: Show proficiency in a language other than English

• Take an Approved Proficiency Assessment and earn 4 Competency-based Credits OR
• Earn 4 Class-time credits and pass an Approved Proficiency Assessment

STEP 2: Show proficiency in English

• Meet all Graduation Pathway ELA requirements

STEP 3: Graduate

Students who have earned the Seal of Biliteracy receive a gold seal placed on their diploma.

Please note: Students cannot "double dip" with seat time and competency-based credits. For example, if an 8th grader earns 3 competency-based credits, but in 10th grade the student decides to register for Spanish 3 anyway, the competency-based credit for Spanish 3 would be zeroed out and the graded seat time credit would be added.

For more information on high school testing and the Seal of Biliteracy, visit or contact Kathryn Strojan, THS Future Ready Specialist. For middle school testing information, visit or contact Jennifer Otte at Summit Trail or Heidi Chamberlain at Maple View.