Nineteen Shipley students earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy, a nationally recognized credential that affirms proficiency in English and at least one additional language. Students were recognized in Spanish, French, and Mandarin after completing the Avant STAMP exam, a computer-adaptive assessment measuring speaking, listening, reading, and writing proficiency.

The credential—awarded at the “Functional Fluency” level—requires students to achieve at least an intermediate-high rating across all four areas. “It’s a meaningful measure of what our students can do with language,” says Raquel Bejar-Massey, Chair of the Language Department and teacher of Spanish. “This data helps us reflect on what we’re doing well and where we can improve. Ultimately, our goal is for
students to graduate able to communicate in another language.”

Bejar-Massey initiated the department-wide testing effort as a way to gather data across divisions. Fifth graders and eighth graders were also assessed to inform curricular development. She noted strong outcomes across the board, including from students in both honors and standard-level courses: “I believe all students can be successful. Some of our students in standard Spanish 5 also earned the seal, and that’s exciting.”

In addition to the Global Seal, Shipley’s language program continues to deepen student engagement through authentic experiences, like conversation exchanges and interdisciplinary projects. “When learning is meaningful,” says Bejar-Massey, “it builds confidence—and fluency.”