The California Department of Education Multilingual Support Division announced that over 75,000 students earned the State Seal of Biliteracy—the highest number ever awarded in a single school year. Fourteen years after the California legislature established a seal to honor students who demonstrate proficiency in two languages, participation continues to surge. For context, in 2013-2014–the earliest year with available data–nearly 24,000 students earned the distinction.
These gains move the state closer to the goals outlined in the Global California 2030 initiative, affirming the value of linguistic diversity as an educational and cultural asset.
To explore county- and district-level data or learn how to participate, visit the California Department of Education’s State Seal of Biliteracy page.
Reaching 75,000
What explains this dramatic growth? While shifting demographics or cultural trends might get some credit, the biggest driver is straightforward: as more districts offered the seal, more students went for it.
In 2013-2014, 202 districts offered the State Seal of Biliteracy. By 2019-2020, that number jumped to 340, leading to more than 65,000 seal recipients that year alone. Demand from families, educators, advocacy organizations, and the students themselves has been a powerful force—showing districts that honoring multilingual achievement matters.
The California English Learner Roadmap
Another key catalyst was the adoption of the California English Learner Roadmap in 2017. As the state’s instructional policy for English learners, the roadmap promotes an assets-based view of multilingualism and calls for alignment across systems so students can build language skills to prepare for a global economy.
When districts view language as an asset rather than a barrier, students of all backgrounds– whether they are English learners or native English speakers gaining a new language–are better supported and celebrated.
Global 2030
California’s Global 2030 goals underscore the importance of multilingualism for the state’s workforce and future competitiveness. By 2030, the goal is for half of all K-12 students to participate in programs that help them become proficient in two or more languages. By 2040, state leaders aim for two out of three students to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy.
By aligning the seal with workforce needs, the state is generating strong support for expanding multilingual education opportunities.
Equity Matters
Despite record growth, equity concerns remain–particularly when it comes to English learners. These students deserve recognition both for attaining English proficiency and for demonstrating proficiency in their home language. Yet for years, overly rigid criteria made earning the seal more difficult for the students whose bilingualism is most often overlooked.
That’s why Californians Together and partners advocated for AB 370, the Biliteracy Inclusion Act, signed into law in 2023. . The law creates additional pathways for demonstrating proficiency in two or more languages, grounded in the same assets-based framing promoted by the English Learner Roadmap. Early data from some districts suggests that these changes are already helping more English learners earn the seal.
What’s Next?
While the English Learner Roadmap sets the vision, its implementation remains uneven. Districts need stronger guidance and more resources to bring this assets-based vision to life in classrooms. Literacy policies must also reflect the value of biliteracy–an aim strengthened by the recent passage of California’s new literacy law, AB 1454 which is rooted in the state’s English Language Arts/English Language Development (ELA/ELD) framework. This victory is notable, considering many states have adopted literacy policies that overlook the assets and needs of English learners.
One of the most effective ways to expand seal participation is simple: celebrate students. Highlighting the diverse journeys of students who earn the seal helps spread the message about the power and importance of biliteracy. We encourage educators, advocates, and leaders across the state to uplift student stories and continue building momentum for multilingual education.