The Power of Biliteracy: Unlocking Cognitive and Cultural Benefits
In a remarkable achievement, Boston Public Schools (BPS) has celebrated an unprecedented milestone in biliteracy, with a growing number of students earning the Seal of Biliteracy. This development highlights the immense value of bilingualism and its impact on academic, cultural, and social growth.
The Cognitive Advantage
Speaking a second language is not just a skill; it's a cognitive superpower. Cecilia Soriano, an expert in language development, explains that learning a new language creates a unique cognitive system in the brain. This dual system enhances our ability to understand and navigate the world, offering a distinct advantage to those who embrace bilingualism.
For Johendy De La Cruz Arias, a senior at Margarita Muñiz Academy, this cognitive advantage is deeply personal. As a second-generation immigrant from the Dominican Republic, he credits his father's influence for his decision to pursue biliteracy. Starting school without English, he practiced with his family, eventually becoming fluent. For De La Cruz Arias, earning the Seal of Biliteracy is a source of pride, a testament to his father's wishes and a step towards a brighter future.
A Growing Trend
The latest data reveals a significant increase in biliteracy among English learners. In Massachusetts, English learners accounted for a substantial 21% of seal recipients in 2024. This trend is not isolated; statewide, over 18,000 high school graduates have received seals since 2019. To earn this recognition, students must demonstrate proficiency in both English and a world language, a challenging yet rewarding endeavor.
Manicka Fils-Aime, a senior at New Mission High School, achieved a seal in Haitian Creole and English. For Fils-Aime, the seal is a symbol of personal capability and a step towards a brighter future. This growth in multilingual students is a direct result of Boston Public Schools' adoption of MassCore in 2021, which established world language coursework as a graduation requirement.
The Impact of Home Language
When immigrant children have the opportunity to study their home language at school, the benefits are profound. Maria Carreira, executive director of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, emphasizes that this connection to their native language leads to better academic performance and increased likelihood of graduation. It's a powerful tool for preparing students to thrive in an increasingly diverse society, both locally and globally.
At New Mission High School, the majority of Seal of Biliteracy recipients earned their seals in their native, non-English language. Co-head of the school, Kareem Cutler, notes that this achievement has fostered a sense of pride and support within the community. Students feel acknowledged and celebrated for their linguistic abilities, creating a positive cycle of encouragement.
A Diverse Language Landscape
The distribution of Seal of Biliteracy recipients this year showcases the diversity of Boston's language landscape. Spanish leads the way, followed by Chinese, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese. During school tours, immigrant parents express their desire for their children to attend schools like Muñiz Academy, where staff speak both English and Spanish, creating a supportive and familiar environment.
Boston Latin School, with its high enrollment and language requirements, has nearly one-third of the seals. Head of the school, Jason Gallagher, notes the increasing interest in earning the seal, with students recognizing the value of bilingualism as a communication and workplace skill.
Conclusion
The celebration of biliteracy in Boston Public Schools is a testament to the power of language and its ability to shape cognitive development and cultural connections. As we continue to embrace diversity, the Seal of Biliteracy serves as a beacon, encouraging students to explore the benefits of bilingualism and its impact on their future success. It's a reminder that language is not just a tool for communication but a gateway to a richer, more connected world.
