OSPI's building is closed to the public until further notice. OSPI will continue serving the public via phone, email, and the website.
See OSPI’s COVID-19 guidance and resources for educators, students, and families.
Orientation to the Seal of Biliteracy
Graduation Requirements
Learning to communicate in languages of the world helps students in Washington become global citizens, ready for life in the interconnected world of the 21st century.
This is the year to Lead with Languages! The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) encourages all interested parties to watch the Lead with Languages: Making Language Proficiency a National Priority video and advocate for languages.
Washington state has adopted the national Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century as our World Languages K-12 Learning Standards.
Students in Washington may be able to earn high school credits for a world language that they know based on demonstrating proficiency in the language.
The Washington State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes public high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more world languages in addition to English.
Students in these programs receive content-based instruction in two languages in order to become proficient and literate in both languages, while also meeting high academic standards in all subject areas.
Washington schools that receive state funding for full-day kindergarten are required to provide experiences in a world language other than English.
Find out about languages in Washington state.
Find out about current laws and regulations regarding world languages.
Link to national and state language associations, centers, and organizations, as well as information about grant funding for languages.
Explore past issues of the World Languages Newsletters!