Kansas Seal of Biliteracy

The Kansas Seal of Biliteracy (SOBL) is awarded by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) in partnership with local school districts to recognize students who have attained proficiency in English and one or more additional world languages by graduation. Eligibility is determined through the submission of scores from two approved assessments, which districts provide to KSDE as evidence of student proficiency. The Seal represents a significant academic achievement and signals a student’s readiness for postsecondary education, career pathways, and global engagement. Additional details regarding score submission are provided below.

Resource

Poster (PDF) Document is available upon request.

Guidance, Directions, and Documentation

This section contains a document giving an overview and Guidance on the Seal of Biliteracy initiative; a second, shorter document with directions for completing the Excel spreadsheet; the Excel spreadsheet to be filled out by your district and uploaded to Secure File Share; and a short webinar on the Seal of Biliteracy.

Guidelines

See the guidelines for student assessment qualification requirements, approved assessments & procedures, and recommendations for district implementation.

SOBL Guidelines (PDF) Document available upon request.

Spreadsheet

Upload a completed Excel spreadsheet to the secure file sharing portal to certify students for the Seal of Biliteracy and receive Seal of Biliteracy certificates.

Seal of Biliteracy Spreadsheet (Excel file)

File Sharing Instructions

Guidance on new process for uploading student scores for qualification.

SOBL PowerPoint (Updated 05-09-2025) (PDF) Document available upon request.

National Toolkit

National Toolkit for the Seal of Biliteracy – Includes information and resources for students and districts (videos, flyers, posters, etc.)

National Seal of Biliteracy Website (external link) Website available upon request.

Annual Kansas Reports

SOBL 2023-2024 Annual Report (PDF) Document available upon request.

For more information, contact:

Jennifer Hamlet
(785) 296-8447

Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.

900 S.W. Jackson Street, Suite 102
Topeka, Kansas 66612-1212
(785) 296-3201

Contact KSDE

Staff Directory

Work for KSDE

Open Records Request

Agency Information

About Us

Meet the Commissioner

Privacy Statement

Copyright by Kansas State Department of Education

The Kansas State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. For more information, visit our grievance procedure page.

To accommodate people with disabilities, on request, auxiliary aides and services will be provided and reasonable modifications to policies and programs will be made. To request accommodations or for more information please contact the Office of General Counsel at gc@ksde.gov or by (785) 296-3201.