Written Testimony Submitted for the Record
Maryland House of Delegates
Ways and Means Committee
For the Hearing on
Education - Maryland Seal of BiliteracyAct - Establishment (House Bill 708)
March 10, 2016
SUPPORT
Maryland PTA submits this testimony in support of HB 708 - Education – Maryland Seal of Biliteracy Act – Establishment because it validates the importance of diversity in education while conveying that the caliber of students and the value they bring to a college or career opportunity is enhanced because they are likely to have attained proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing one or more languages in addition to English. If passed, this legislation would establish a Maryland Seal of Biliteracy Program to recognize public high school graduates with such proficiency. In an effort to promote linguistic proficiency and cultural literacy, recognition of such an attainment will be established by affixing a Seal of Biliteracy to the student’s diploma or transcript at graduation.
Maryland PTA highly reveres any opportunity for students to positively distinguish themselves as competitive and/or identified in any way that promotes literacy, diversity, career and/or college readiness or completion of advanced curricular standards. All such promotion fosters greater student opportunity as well as success. National PTA supports legislation and programs intended to increase postsecondary participation through assisting students’ secondary school completion and postsecondary enrollment by providing academic services and college preparatory services. It is appropriate to conceive of the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy as a service. Inherently, the Seal of Biliteracy encourages students to become bilingual which is favored among future job prospects and college admissions.
Fourteen states implement the Seal of Biliteracy including Virginia, New York, North Carolina and the District of Columbia. As a compliment, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, over the 2009-2013-time period, approximately 10.4% of Maryland residents over age five spoke a language other than English at home and also spoke English “very well.” Maryland PTA believes that every child must be provided with a well-rounded, high-quality education, which will ensure that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential and become productive members of society.
Therefore, Maryland PTA supports House Bill 708, Education – Maryland Seal of Biliteracy Act – Establishment because itbroadens student access to desired career as well as college options. For the reasons stated above Maryland PTA encourages your vote to SUPPORT House Bill 708 and asks that this Committee return a favorable report.
This testimony is submitted on behalf of
Elizabeth YslaLeight
President
Maryland PTA