Karen Mulzac Watkins Vice Chair, District I | Gwinnett County Public Schools
Karen Mulzac Watkins Vice Chair, District I | Gwinnett County Public Schools
Earlier this school year, over 370 students from Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) were recognized by the state of Georgia for their proficiency in world languages. A total of 377 high school students from GCPS earned the 2024 Georgia Department of Education Seal of Biliteracy. This accolade honors graduates who have achieved a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages other than English.
To qualify for the seal, students must demonstrate bilingualism and biliteracy in both English and an additional language. This is measured by achieving at least a "B" average in all required English Language Arts courses and demonstrating high proficiency on a state-approved assessment like Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams.
Dr. Virin Veder, GCPS’ Director of World Languages and Dual Language Immersion, expressed enthusiasm for the program: “This past school year, we had the largest number of students ever earn the Georgia Seal of Biliteracy. These students are not only mastering a second language, but they are also gaining access to invaluable global opportunities.”
The Georgia Seal of Biliteracy was introduced in 2016 with several goals: to encourage world language study among students; to recognize and promote world language instruction in public schools; to certify biliteracy attainment; to help employers identify individuals with language skills; and to assist universities in recognizing applicants' academic credentials.
Gwinnett students who received the Seals of Biliteracy demonstrated proficiency in Chinese, Spanish, French, German, and Latin. They attended various schools including Archer HS, McClure Health Science HS, Berkmar HS, Meadowcreek HS, Brookwood HS, Mill Creek HS, Collins Hill HS, Mountain View HS, Dacula HS, Norcross HS, Discovery HS, North Gwinnett HS, Duluth HS, Parkview HS, Grayson HS, Paul Duke STEM HS, Gwinnett School of Mathematics Science and Technology Peachtree Ridge HS Gwinnett Online Campus Seckinger HS Lanier HS South Gwinnett HS.
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