CARSON, IA — Riverside Community School District students Anthony Bernard and Abe Schechinger have each earned the Iowa Seal of Biliteracy, which recognizes students who have attained proficiency in two or more languages by the time they graduate from high school.
Bernard is a 12th grade student, while Schechinger is in 12th grade as well.
“In 18 years of education, these are the first two students I have had who have attained this designation,” said Melanie McQueen, 6th-12th grade Spanish teacher. “I am so proud of Anthony and Abe. It is an incredible accomplishment.”
The Iowa Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to students with high proficiency levels in English and at least one additional language. To qualify, students must achieve a minimum score of 18 on the English portion of their ACT or be deemed proficient on the English portion of the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP). Additionally, they must score a Level 5 in each of the four communicative domains—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—on the STAMP (Standards-based Measurement of Proficiency) test.
“Anthony and Abe have set a remarkable example for their peers,” said Dr. Stephanie Anderson, Superintendent. “This achievement is a testament to our district’s quality of education and the dedication and skill of our educators. We are celebrating this achievement as a point of pride for our entire community.”
The Seal of Biliteracy provides numerous benefits for students, including enhanced college applications and career opportunities. It signifies a valuable skill set in an increasingly interconnected world.
To learn more about the Seal of Biliteracy, please visit
https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/standards/instruction/biliteracy-seal
.