School For Biliteracy
J. STERLING MORTON SCHOOL DISTRICT 201 SCHOOL FOR BILITERACY
Mission
What is the mission of the Morton 201 School for Biliteracy program?
The mission of the J.S. Morton HSD 201 ELL and Modern Language Department is to use the target language to develop successful multilingual lifetime learners with an understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, empowered to become productive citizens in our global economy.
Vision
Courses
Seal of Biliteracy
The Seal of Biliteracy at J. Sterling Morton High School District 201
What is the Seal of Biliteracy?
The Seal of Biliteracy is a recognition given to graduating Seniors who demonstrate high levels of proficiency in English and another language.
Morton West download
Morton East download
Seal of Biliteracy Criteria and Seal Benefits
Seal of Biliteracy Criteria
What is the criteria of the Seal of Biliteracy?
English (ONE of the following):
- ACT Score composite of 21 or 18 on the English Subject Area Test
- SAT Score of 480 in English Language Arts (EBRW)
- ACCESS Score of 4.8 Overall
- AP English Language and Composition score of 5
- AAPPL Test Score of Intermediate-5 or Advanced in all 4 domains
World Language (ONE of the following):
- 4 or 5 on the AP Language and Culture Exam
- AAPPL Test score of Intermediate-5 or Advanced in all 4 domains
- Portfolio option for languages in which tests are not available
What is the criteria for the Commendation toward the Seal of Biliteracy?
English (ONE of the following):
- ACT Score composite of 21 or 18 on the English Subject Area Test
- SAT Score of 480 in English (EBRW)
- ACCESS Literacy Score of 3.5 or above
- AP English Language and Composition score of 4
- AAPPL Test Score between Intermediate-1 and Intermediate-4 in all 4 domains
World Language (ONE of the following):
- 3 on the AP Language and Culture Exam
- AAPPL Test score between Intermediate-1 and Intermediate-4 in all 4 domains
- Portfolio option for languages in which tests are not available
Seal of Biliteracy Benefits
What are the benefits of the Seal of Biliteracy?
Graduating Seniors who receive the Seal of Biliteracy will gain the following benefits:
- Gold Seal of Biliteracy on High School Diploma and high school transcripts
- Name in Graduation Bulletin and recognition at the graduation ceremony
- Meet the college entrance requirement of two years of foreign language for Illinois public colleges and universities
- Obtain college credit in modern languages at Illinois public colleges and universities, and participating private universities
- Proof of language skills for resume and career
College credit is available through the Seal of Biliteracy
J. Sterling Morton High School Seal of Biliteracy Celebration
2020 Morton Celebration of Seal of Biliteracy Recipients
2020 Morton Celebration of Commendation toward Biliteracy Recipients
Students React to the Seal of Biliteracy
Padres y el Sello de Bilingüismo
Biliteracy Coaches
Meet the Biliteracy Coaches
MORTON EAST BILITERACY COACH
Phone: 708 780 4000
Email: dmartinez1@jsmorton.org
Degrees and Certifications:
Dominican University- B.A in Early Childhood
Education and Spanish Studies
Dominican University- M.A.Ed. – ESL/Bilingual
Endorsement and Educational Technology
Certification
University of Salamanca, Spain- MA. Spanish
Language and Culture
Diana Martinez
As a Morton East alum, I am excited to continue working with our wonderful students and teachers at Morton East High School. This is my sixth year in education, but I began my career as a Dual Language EC/Pre-k teacher in Cicero District 99. Last school year, I had the pleasure of working at Morton East as an EL support teacher in the Science department and as an EL 1 English and Reading Teacher. As a Biliteracy Coach, I have the opportunity to work with teachers to continue integrating inclusive practices and strategies to create an environment conducive to learning. I strongly believe in celebrating our students and teachers, language, and identity to build a stronger and more united school community. This year I have enjoyed learning about the Seal of Biliteracy program and the benefits and opportunities that it provides our students. I look forward to working with various stakeholders to support our multilingual learners.
MORTON FRESHMEN CENTER BILITERACY COACH
Phone: 708 863 7900 1166
Email: BDegraff@jsmorton.org
Beth Degraff
MORTON WEST BILITERACY COACH
Phone: 708 780 4100 3664
Email: xguerrero@jsmorton.org
Degrees and Certifications:
Northeastern Illinois University, B.A. in Secondary Education and Spanish
National Louis University, M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Bilingual Education and Learning Behavioral Specialist LBS1
Xiomara Bustamante Guerrero
I am honored to serve the Morton West High school community to promote bilingualism and celebrate our students’ heritage. I have been in education for fifteen years and have taught Spanish at a variety of levels, including AP Spanish Language and Literature. I began my Morton career five years ago as an English Language Learner Support teacher and had the opportunity to co-teach with various teachers in different subject areas. As the Biliteracy Coach, I collaborate with teachers to encourage EL strategies that challenge our students and help them succeed. I also encourage teachers to celebrate student’s cultures and promote post-secondary success with the Seal of Biliteracy.