KALAMAZOO, Mich.â The World Language Testing Center, part of Western Michigan University's Department of Special Education and Literacy Studies, hosted its first groups of students from Battle Creek and Kent County high schools as they completed their Michigan Seal of Biliteracy test. Organized by Dr. Robert Randez, assistant professor of teaching English as a second/other language, high schoolers were also introduced to Western's campus, programs and resources.
"Our students were testing for the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy (MI-SoBL), and this seal certifies that they're bilingual not only in speaking, but also in reading and writing," says Lisa Gardner, coordinator of English Language Learner and World Languages at Battle Creek Public Schools.
In efforts to achieve the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy, students were tested in the four domains including listening, speaking, reading and writing of a language other than English. The seal acts as an add-on to their high school accomplishments and can open doors to different job opportunities. The seal also helps students gain admission to colleges and universities, qualify for scholarships and earn foreign language credit.
"What makes the MI-SoBLl unique from other certifications is the focus on literacy," says Randez. "You have kids who grow up with a second language in the household and can be highly proficient speaking in a foreign or world language. But literacy in a second language is something that you have to consciously build on and stay dedicated to."
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