Recognizing that high school graduates who can function in two or more languages are equipped with the knowledge and skills to participate successfully in college, careers, and a diverse 21st century society, the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy Program is established to recognize and reward excellence in language learning as measured by rigorous proficiency assessments across a range of language skills. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated. Terms Defined. “Multilingual learner” has the meaning stated in COMAR 13A.05.07.02. “World language” means any natural language, including American Sign Language, native American languages, and languages no longer spoken (e.g., Latin and ancient Greek). Local School System Participation. Participation in the program by a local public school system is voluntary. An individual school may not opt out of participation in a local school system program. Student Eligibility. The pool of students eligible to apply includes any public school student in a participating local school system who demonstrates proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English. The pool of students shall include multilingual learners and any student who has acquired or is acquiring a world language at school, home, or in the community. To receive a Maryland Seal of Biliteracy, the student shall: Meet one of the assessment requirements from the Department’s approved list of English language arts/literacy assessments for the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy; and Meet one of the assessment requirements from the Department’s approved list of world language assessments for the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy. The student shall provide official test results to the local school system. The local school system shall validate the assessment results and affix the Seal of Biliteracy to the student’s diploma or transcript at graduation, at no cost to the student. The local school system shall collect and provide data to the Department on implementation of the program, including: The number of Seals awarded; The languages of the Seals awarded; The race, ethnicity, gender, and multilingual learner status of each Seal recipient; and Any other demographic factors for each Seal recipient as identified by the Department. Education Article, §7-208, Annotated Code of Maryland Effective date: February 13, 2017 (44:3 Md. R. 189) Regulation .02B amended effective September 15, 2025 (52:18 Md. R. 924) Regulation .03 amended effective September 15, 2025 (52:18 Md. R. 924) Regulation .04 amended effective September 15, 2025 (52:18 Md. R. 924) Regulation .06 adopted effective September 15, 2025 (52:18 Md. R. 924)