Wakefield, MA — Superintendent David DiBarri is pleased to share that 85 Northeast Metro Tech students earned the prestigious Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy this year.The State Seal of Biliteracy is an award provided by state-approved districts that recognize high school graduates who attain high functional and academic levels of proficiency in both English and another world language. 

To earn the recognition, students must meet all graduation requirements, pass their English Language Arts MCAS, and earn a score that is equivalent to a 4 on an Advanced Placement language assessment. To earn a Seal with Distinction, students must meet all graduation requirements, pass their English Language Arts MCAS with advanced scores, and earn a score that is equivalent to a 5 on an Advanced Placement language assessment. 

The State Seal of Biliteracy was created by the LOOK Act, which was signed into law by former Gov. Charlie Baker.

“These exceptional students are not only prepared to excel in their chosen trades, they are also bilingual and empowered to make meaningful contributions in our diverse and multilingual communities,” said English Learner Education Department Head Sandra P. Carreno. “Every day in their professional lives, workers in the trades are using different languages to communicate with clients, supervisors, suppliers and co-workers. Knowing another language can be a real asset to get ahead in your professional life after graduation!”

The students who earned the seal were recognized in a special ceremony held at Northeast Metro Tech.

While 85 students earned the seal, two students earned the seal in two different languages, meaning Northeast Metro Tech students earned a total of 87 seals. A total of 62 students earned the seal for speaking English and Spanish, including eight who earned the seal with distinction. A total of 13 students earned the seal for speaking English and Portuguese, including one student who earned the seal with distinction. Additionally, two students earned the seal for speaking both English and Haitian Creole, with one of those students earning the seal with distinction. 

Health Assisting was the trade with the most students to earn the seal, with a total of 15. Drafting and Design had 10 recipients, while Cosmetology, Business Technology and Dental Assisting each had nine students earn the seal. Plumbing has seven bilingual students, while Carpentry has five. Early Childhood Education, Electrical, and Design and Visual Communications each have four students who earned the seal. Robotics has two bilingual students, and HVAC and Metal Fabrication each have one. 

“This seal verifies my ability to communicate in a second language and will definitely help me in my future career,” said Jesus Martinez. “This is a special privilege that I’ve received forever, and I appreciate your service providing this excellent opportunity. Out of the many treasured opportunities that Northeast Metro Tech provides, the Seal of Biliteracy is a prestigious matter that I am honored to receive.”

“Bilingual students enjoy a major advantage due to their language skills, and I am extremely proud that so many Northeast Metro Tech students were able to earn the prestigious State Seal of Biliteracy,” said Superintendent DiBarri. “Congratulations to all of the recipients!”