According to sealofbiliteracy.org, all states but one have adopted a seal of biliteracy for inclusion on high school diplomas. When the Montana Board of Public Education adopted its seal in 2021, we were one of the last states to take the leap. There was much to consider: Should the Montana legislature lead the effort? Should we wait until federal funding was allocated? How can the Montana Board of Public Education ever support such a huge undertaking? Yet Montana has a large Native American and rural population of students who do not always have access to language programs. At the end of the day, the board decided that adopting the seal of biliteracy was too important to wait for all the stars to align.


Adopting a Seal of Biliteracy: A State Perspective





Featured Items

Complexity of thought processes and the human mind. Thoughts, creativity, emotions, mental health, vibrant art collage. Psychology, self-analysis, mental disorders and wellbeing, cognitive processes i

States Take Next Steps on Governing AI Use in Schools

In 2026, state boards of education are likely to move beyond issuing AI guidance and toward monitoring implementation and possibly developing policies.
Happy African American teacher and elementary student talking while walking through hallway. i

States Start Up Registered Principal Apprenticeships

A handful of states have been launching federally registered apprenticeships to better prepare new principals, remove barriers to entering the profession, and combat turnover.
A young university student female is practicing her welding skills i

Demonstrating Skills of Value

State education leaders are focused on ensuring students graduate ready for life after high school—but how do students know they’re building valuable, transferable skills, and how will employers and colleges recognize them?

Upcoming Events

From the States