FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2025

Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District Announces Participation in Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy Program

South Yarmouth, MA — The Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District is proud to announce its participation in the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy program for the 2025–2026 school year. This statewide initiative recognizes and celebrates students who have achieved proficiency in English and at least one additional language, including American Sign Language.

The State Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to graduating seniors who demonstrate high levels of proficiency in both English and a world language. This recognition highlights students’ multilingual skills and supports future opportunities in higher education and the workforce.

The goals of the Seal of Biliteracy include:

• Encouraging students to study and master multiple languages
  
  

• Certifying student attainment of biliteracy skills
  
  

• Recognizing the value of linguistic and cultural diversity
  
  

• Providing employers with a method to identify individuals with language proficiency
  
  

• Supporting universities in recognizing applicants with high-level language skills
  
  

• Equipping students with tools for success in the global economy
  
  

• Strengthening communication and honoring diverse cultures within our community
  
  

To earn the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy, students must:

• Achieve a score of 472 or higher on the Grade 10 English Language Arts MCAS
  
  

• Earn a minimum score of Intermediate-High on a state-approved world language assessment
  
  

• Fulfill all other graduation requirements
  
  

Students may also qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction by:

• Scoring 501 or higher on the Grade 10 ELA MCAS
  
  

• Demonstrating proficiency at the Advanced Low level or higher on a Department-approved assessment
  
  

• Meeting all other graduation requirements
  
  

Testing Schedule:

• ELA MCAS: March 24–25, 2026
  
  

• World Language Assessment (AAPPL): January–February 2026
  
  

Through this initiative, Dennis-Yarmouth is proud to honor the linguistic talents and cultural diversity of its student body. Families are encouraged to connect with their child’s ESL or world language teacher for more information about their eligibility and participation. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education guidance can be found here.

For questions or further information, please contact:

• Michelle Dick at dickm@dy-regional.k12.ma.us
  
  

• Meaghan McDonnell at mcdonne@dy-regional.k12.ma.us
  
  

• Kate Watts at wattsk@dy-regional.k12.ma.us
  
  

Katherine B. Watts, Ed.D.

Director of Multilingual Learner Instruction 

Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District