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54 Marshalltown students awarded Biliteracy Seal

Fifty-four Marshalltown Community School District students received Iowa’s Biliteracy Seal this spring. The award is given to students who demonstrate proficiency in two or more languages, including English. Last year, when the program was introduced, 16 MCSD students were awarded the seal. Through the dedication of staff and students, Marshalltown schools have seen a large increase in those given the award.

Students choose to participate in the program, and anyone is welcome.

“It’s open to any student to participate in,” Rachel Inks, director of the English Language Learner program, said.

She is joined by other district employees, including world language teachers, English language teachers, administrators and counselors, to comprise a biliteracy committee.

Many of the students involved are native speakers of their non-English language. They have been speaking the language their whole lives, leading to their proficiency.

“We know our students come to us with a variety of experiences,” Inks said.

According to her, there are two required components to earn the award.

Students must demonstrate literacy in English through state assessments. Along with this, they must complete an assessment called STAMP, which stands for Standards-based Measurement of Proficiency. This tests students on their ability to speak, listen, read and write in the language.

Students can either be native speakers of their non-English language or use the foreign language they have studied for school. Students can also earn the triliteracy award, though none were given this year.

This year all biliteracy awards were awarded to students who demonstrated proficiency in English and Spanish.

Inks said this student accomplishment shows their commitment to language diversity.

“I think this really speaks to our students,” she said.

Inks also mentioned these students “seek to make global connections,” which demonstrates the importance of biliteracy.

According to Immigrant Allies of Marshalltown, 25.8 percent of Marshalltown residents are native speakers of a non-English language. The national average is 21.1 percent.

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Contact Anna Shearer at

ashearer@timesrepublican.com.

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