The Biliteracy Education Seal and Teaching Act (BEST Act) would authorize competitive grants to states to establish or improve Seal of Biliteracy programs and early language initiatives. These programs recognize high-level proficiency in speaking and writing (and potentially reading/listening) in English and a second language, with optional inclusion of Native American languages as a base language. Grants would support program development, testing, outreach, and professional development, and aim to ensure broad student access, including English learners, former English learners, and students with disabilities. Grants are funded for two-year terms (renewable at the Secretary’s discretion) with a cap of one grant per state and a total annual appropriation of $10 million for 2025–2029. Key features include a strong emphasis on inclusive testing across languages (including Native American languages and American Sign Language), provisions allowing Native American languages to serve as the base language in lieu of English for the seal, and requirements for states to outline criteria for proficiency, ensure accessibility and equity, and provide documentation of biliteracy on diplomas or transcripts. States must report within 18 months on implementation and display a focus on elementary and middle grades, early language opportunities, and engagement with families and schools. The act seeks to expand biliteracy’s perceived benefits—cognitive, academic, economic, and national security—while enabling broader recognition of multilingual skills in education and the workforce.
Key Points
- 1Purpose and scope: Establish or improve Seal of Biliteracy programs and early language initiatives to recognize high-level proficiency in English plus a second language, with testing-based proof of proficiency (speaking/writing, and potentially reading/listening).
- 2Native American language provisions: Programs must allow the use of Native American languages (including those recognized as official by tribal or government authorities) as the base language in lieu of English, with additional languages tested for proficiency.
- 3Grant mechanics: Competitive grants to states for 2-year terms (renewable at the Secretary’s discretion); states may receive only one grant at a time; unspent funds must be returned within 6 months after the grant term ends.
- 4Eligibility, testing, and inclusivity: Applications must specify proficiency criteria (speaking and writing as core skills, with possible reading/listening); plans must include English learners and former English learners, individuals with disabilities, and testing for all languages (including Native American languages and ASL); must address tribally controlled schools and Bureau of Indian Education schools.
- 5Documentation and fees: Students who meet criteria receive a permanent seal or documentation on the diploma, or a transcript entry; states must ensure no charges for providing information needed to participate.
- 6Use of funds: Administrative costs, public outreach, educator professional development, and subsidizing baseline/final testing for low-income students.
- 7Reporting and accountability: States must submit an implementation report to the Secretary within 18 months of receiving a grant.
- 8Funding: Authorization of $10 million per fiscal year from 2025 through 2029 to carry out the section.