AHS Students Earn Certificates of Multilingual Proficiency

According to Avon High School Principal Matt Shockley, 22 students earned Certificates of Multilingual Proficiency. "Thanks to the efforts of Kyle Nelson (Dean of Students and former Spanish teacher), we were able to establish this [program] for the first time this past school year," says Shockley. He notes that the program will continue in the years to come.

The Certificate of Multilingual Proficiency is the global seal of biliteracy, certifying students who achieve this standard as individuals who have attained a high level of skill in more than one language. 

"There are more than 90 languages spoken in Avon homes," notes Nelson. "This program is a wonderful way to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible linguistic skills that students either bring to our school because they've learned English as a second language or gain through rigorous foreign language coursework." 

According to the Indiana Department of Education, 

The Certificate of Multilingual Proficiency is a recognition program and validation of student achievement in language proficiency both in English and another language. This is a celebration for both world language students and English Learners alike as both work hard to develop sustained functional abilities in a new language. Indiana’s Certificate asks that students achieve an equivalent of an Intermediate High level of proficiency on the ACTFL Proficiency Scale.

Students are able to work toward this certificate beginning their freshman year and continuing through graduation. Students can earn up to six credits toward their diploma. Not only that, the ability to speak, listen, read, and write in multiple languages is a highly valuable skill in college, the workforce, and the military. Students who earn Certificates of Multilingual Proficiency at AHS position themselves for greater degrees of success and achievement both within and beyond the classroom.

Congratulations to Mr. Nelson, the educators who support this program, and the students who have dedicated themselves to earning this prestigious certification.

Visit the Indiana Department of Education website to learn more.